Government doctors in Kerala have decided to intensify their ongoing strike and announced a protest march to the office of the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), escalating tensions between the medical fraternity and the state administration.
The agitation, led by associations representing government medical officers, has been driven by a series of demands including improved working conditions, timely promotions, and enhanced security in hospitals. Protest leaders alleged that repeated representations to authorities have not resulted in concrete action, prompting them to adopt stronger forms of demonstration.
As part of the intensified stir, doctors have planned a march to the DME office, seeking direct engagement with top officials. While emergency services are reportedly being maintained, routine outpatient services in several government hospitals have been affected, causing inconvenience to patients across districts.
Representatives of the doctors’ associations said the strike is not intended to disrupt healthcare delivery but to draw attention to long-standing grievances. They stressed that burnout, staff shortages and rising incidents of violence against medical professionals have made working conditions increasingly challenging.
The state health department, meanwhile, has appealed to doctors to reconsider the decision and resume normal duties in the interest of public health. Officials indicated that dialogue remains open and efforts are underway to address key concerns.
Healthcare experts warn that prolonged disruption in government hospitals could disproportionately impact economically weaker sections who rely heavily on public health services. With both sides holding firm positions, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether negotiations can defuse the standoff.
For now, the planned march to the DME office marks a significant escalation in the doctors’ protest, signalling that the dispute has entered a more confrontational phase.
