Kerala medical college doctors hold candlelight protest against govt apathy

Thiruvananthapuram: Doctors across government medical colleges in Kerala, under the banner of the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association (KGMCTA), staged candlelight protests on Friday, highlighting the state government’s prolonged indifference to their key demands.

The association has sought urgent clearance of pending arrears from the salary revision, rectification of anomalies in entry-level pay, correction of other discrepancies, and creation of adequate posts to ensure timely appointments and promotions.

At Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, the protest began at 6.30 pm and was inaugurated by KGMCTA state president Dr Rosnara Beegum. Leaders said the government’s repeated assurances had gone unfulfilled, forcing them to escalate their agitation. Despite five years of raising concerns over pay anomalies, no action had been taken. They added that even two Cabinet meetings held after the protests began did not address the creation of posts in new medical colleges.

Parallel protests were organised in all medical colleges under the leadership of unit presidents, with representatives from the Kerala Medical PG Association, House Surgeons Association, and Students’ Union extending support.

KGMCTA announced that a statewide dharna will be held at all medical colleges on Monday from 1 pm to 2 pm.