Kerala: Medical College Doctors' Protest

The doctors of the Government Medical College of Kerala have held a candlelight vigil at several medical colleges including Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and Kozhikode Medical College demanding full payment of their arrears.

The President of KGMCTA, Dr. Binoy S, has inaugurated the protest at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, and the State Secretary, Dr. Nirmal Bhaskar, has inaugurated the protest at Kozhikode Medical College.

Also Read: Protests Over Pay Revision, Due Salaries: Kerala doctors to hold candlelight vigil on 10th March

KGMCTA has already adopted an action plan to protest against the non-payment of dues. It was previously reported that KGMCTA is organizing protests against the non-payment of salary arrears, including the Medical College Doctors' Allowance Reform (NPA, PCA), and the non-resolution of irregularities, including entry cadre and career advancement promotions.

KGMCTA elaborated that the salary revision for doctors in government medical colleges in 2016 has been extended to 2020. No salary arrears, including allowances due during this period, were received, and despite the assurances of the Health Secretary himself that the medical college doctors are entitled to the arrears, including salary arrears from July 1, 2017, no step has been taken yet.

Earlier, it was decided that on 10/3/2021 at 6.30 pm in front of the Secretariat, all the medical college doctors in Kerala will hold a candlelight protest. However, at the request of the Office of the Hon'ble Minister, the protest in front of the Secretariat was postponed to 17/3/2021. But today, doctors of all the medical colleges held candlelight vigils at 6.30 pm.

In a recent press release, KGMCTA has stated, "On 17/3/2021 at 6.30 pm all the medical college doctors in Kerala will light candles and protest in front of the secretariat. On the same evening, the medical college doctors will hold a press conference. Protests will follow all COVID protocol."

The association had earlier observed betrayal day. "If there is no decision again, there will be a 24-hour boycott of OP, elective surgery, and teaching on March 17th," stated the association.

The press release signed by KGMCTA President, Dr. Binoy, further added, "The KGMCTA State Committee demanded that the demands of the medical college teachers be accepted immediately and that the medical college doctors must not be pushed into unnecessary strife."