Kerala health department to hold talks with medical college teachers’ association to resolve standoff

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Health Department will hold talks with the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association (KGMCTA) on Monday in a bid to prevent an indefinite strike that threatens to disrupt healthcare services across the state’s government medical colleges.

Health Minister Veena George will chair the meeting, which aims to address long-pending demands related to salary revision, staffing shortages, and infrastructure upgrades. Officials said preliminary discussions with KGMCTA representatives have already begun, expressing hope for a negotiated settlement.

The association, representing faculty from all government medical colleges, has announced a total strike beginning this week, citing government inaction despite repeated assurances. While emergency services will continue, the protest is expected to severely impact outpatient and inpatient care.

KGMCTA’s key demands include immediate implementation of pay revisions, payment of arrears dating back to 2016, correction of salary anomalies, and creation of new teaching and non-teaching posts to tackle manpower shortages. The union is also seeking the filling of vacant positions and a comprehensive upgrade of college infrastructure and teaching facilities.

Hospital administrators have voiced concern over the potential disruption to patient care, academic schedules, and research activities. The outcome of Monday’s meeting is expected to determine whether the strike proceeds or is withdrawn.

(Inputs from IANS)