Underpaid and overworked: 70% of Kerala’s junior doctors leaving the state
KOCHI: A staggering 70% of junior doctors in Kerala are migrating to other states or moving abroad, driven by low salaries and gruelling working conditions, according to a recent report by an Indian Medical Association (IMA) committee. The study highlights that a significant 58.7% of these medical professionals are specifically targeting opportunities overseas.
The comprehensive report was compiled by a committee chaired by Dr. Sulfi Noohu, IMA National Convenor and former State President, based on an online survey that saw participation from over 4,000 doctors.
Key findings of the report:
- Exploitative Wages: The report reveals that junior doctors in the state earn a meagre average salary of less than ₹30,000 per month.
- Bondage and Financial Strain: An overwhelming 81% of respondents are bound by mandatory service bonds. Furthermore, foreign medical graduates returning to the state receive no stipend, while PG residents face highly irregular stipend payments.
- Systemic Violations: Even after completing House Surgency, specialists and super-specialists are denied fair compensation. The committee noted that many hospitals fail to pay salaries on time, routinely violating labour laws.
Key demands raised by the committee:
To address the brewing crisis, the committee has put forward the following urgent recommendations:
- Fix the minimum starting salary for junior doctors at ₹80,000 per month.
- Cap weekly working hours at a maximum of 48 hours, with mandatory overtime pay for additional duty.
- Ensure punctual monthly salary disbursements alongside structured annual increments.
- Mandate formal, written employment contracts detailing service terms.
- Establish a secure and safe working environment for all medical personnel.
"The rising unemployment and abysmal pay scales faced by junior doctors in Kerala are deeply concerning. This report exposes the bleak and distressing reality of the state's medical sector."
— Dr. M.N. Menon, State President, IMA