Kerala Medical College doctors extend strike

Kerala Medical College Teachers Association has decided to continue their strike. This decision was taken today at KGMCTA central committee meeting. The Govt has increased the pay package for Medical college teachers, but has banned private practice by these doctors. Govt has also increased the working time up to 4, and evening OP’s are to be conducted.

This has lead to a wide spread dissentment among members of KGMCTA as many of the doctors in clinical field are already heavily burdened. Some blame it on former president of KGMCTA for withdrawing strike unilaterally.

A section of doctors approve this deal because they don’t have to take any extra burden.These are the non clinical doctors who don’t have to conduct OP’s or Perform surgeries. Since their work is teaching students, they are happy to get more pay without extra effort. This has lead to a serious rift as Anaesthesiologists have also joined with the non clinical side. Meaningful discussion has to be done among the members of KGMCTA other than fight among themselves.

The private practice ban is a big loss to patients as well.There is a wide spread belief that private practice is only for money. Many of those who go to a doctors house just want to be away from the crowd in the OP’s. Not all those who go to a doctors house for consultation are rich and affluent.Some of them maybe friends, some maybe friends of friends or relatives. Though it is their right to take fees for every consultation, most of these doctors take only meagre amounts or no money at all.

Considering private service ban, most of Medical college doctors in Kerala may go looking for better options. Many private Medical Colleges are looking for experienced doctors.They are willing to pay a lot more than govt plans to give. This may lead to many doctors leaving for greener pastures. Our Medical Education system is going to be in serious trouble if this issue is not dealt with properly.