Doctors working in government medical colleges across Kerala have announced an indefinite protest beginning January 13, expressing strong opposition to what they describe as serious anomalies in the state government’s recent pay revision order. The decision, taken collectively by medical college faculty associations, reflects growing dissatisfaction among senior and junior doctors who believe the revised structure undermines professional parity, ignores long-standing demands, and fails to recognise the academic and clinical responsibilities shouldered by medical educators in the public health system.
Pay revision order sparks widespread discontent among faculty doctors
The protest call follows weeks of internal discussions and representations made by medical college doctors to the state government after the publication of the revised pay order. According to faculty members, the new structure has resulted in significant disparities between medical college doctors and other categories of government doctors, despite comparable or higher levels of qualification, experience, and workload. Doctors argue that the revision has effectively reduced relative pay scales, disrupted existing hierarchies, and negatively affected promotional prospects.
Medical college doctors play a dual role as clinicians and teachers, balancing patient care in tertiary hospitals with academic responsibilities such as training undergraduate and postgraduate students, conducting examinations, and engaging in research. Faculty members state that the revised pay order fails to acknowledge this dual burden, placing them at a disadvantage compared to doctors in non-teaching government services. This perceived erosion of status and financial recognition has become a major point of contention.
Senior faculty members have also pointed out that earlier assurances given during discussions on the pay revision have not been reflected in the final order. They claim that several anomalies, including issues related to grade pay, non-practising allowance, and time-bound promotions, remain unaddressed. The sense of frustration has been compounded by what doctors describe as a lack of meaningful consultation before finalising the order.
Indefinite protest raises concerns over healthcare and medical education
The announcement of an indefinite protest has raised concerns about its potential impact on healthcare services and medical education in the state. Kerala’s government medical colleges form the backbone of advanced public healthcare, catering to a large patient population and serving as referral centres for complex cases. Any sustained disruption could affect outpatient services, elective procedures, and academic activities, including lectures and examinations.
Doctors’ associations have stated that emergency services will be maintained to ensure that critical patient care is not compromised. However, they have made it clear that routine services and academic work may be affected if the government does not take urgent steps to address their grievances. The protest, they say, is not merely about salaries but about preserving the dignity, autonomy, and long-term sustainability of the medical teaching profession in the public sector.
Faculty representatives have urged the state government to reopen discussions and issue a revised order that rectifies the identified anomalies. They argue that fair compensation and clear career progression pathways are essential not only for retaining experienced doctors in government service but also for maintaining high standards of medical education and patient care. Without corrective measures, they warn, morale among medical college doctors will continue to decline, potentially affecting the quality of healthcare delivery in the long run.
