Dearth of doctors: Functioning of state medical colleges in disarray

KOZHIKODE: The dearth of efficient doctors is seriously hampering the functioning of medical colleges in the state. Even in newly started medical colleges, sufficient posts and appointments are still pending. Doctors are being temporarily transferred from other medical colleges to meet immediate requirements. Doctors are currently being appointed on a rotation basis every three months in Kasaragod, Idukki and Konni medical colleges.

The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA) office bearers said that the transfer of doctors from other medical colleges is also affecting their functioning.

In other countries and states, doctors were given additional incentives during the Covid period. The medical college doctors in the state were deprived of such benefits. They were not even given the salary revision arrears they were entitled to.

On Wednesday, medical college doctors started an indefinite relay satyagraha at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, raising several demands. This followed the secretariat dharna. If the demands are not met, the strike will be intensified.

There was a significant reduction in the salary revision in the entry cadre. This has made the medical college service unattractive. Young doctors are hesitant to enter the service. There is also a dropout rate in the entry cadre.