Government Medical Services In Kerala Hit After PG Medicos Go On 24-Hour Strike

The strike which was announced earlier goes as planned since the state government has not expressed interest yet to interact with postgraduate medical students.

A representational image of doctors protest

Chennai: The services at government medical college hospitals are hit in Kerala since PG medical students have gone on a 24-hour strike, except for emergency and Covid-19 duty on Monday. The strike which was announced earlier goes as planned since the state government has not expressed interest yet to interact with postgraduate medical students. 

According to a report on Manorama, over 2,000 PG medical students have gone on strike and junior doctors have not reported to work as they demand the government to fulfill their requirements. 

On Monday, many patients especially Out Patients were told to return home due to a shortage of medical staff. The surgeries scheduled on Monday were also postponed for other days.  

The protest is not just conducted by the medical students but medical college teachers and associations have also expressed their support. The protestors have also issued warning that they will continue to boycott duty if the government does not meet the demands.

However, the Kerala government has not held talks with the protestors since the state especially the health department is with the view that they have met the demand of the students. 

Also, the agitators are protesting despite a government order appointing resident doctors in medical colleges. However, the medicos are holding protests alleging that there's no clarity in the order. They also demand a pay hike for their services and to swiftly conduct NEET counseling. However, the state government clarified that the counseling is beyond their control.