Kerala Doctors Call Off Strike: Medical Services Resume Following Written Assurance

After 37 grueling days of agitation, government medical college doctors across Kerala have officially called off their strike, bringing immense relief to thousands of patients. Starting Thursday, full operations have resumed across OPDs, operation theaters, and academic classrooms. The resolution ends a severe healthcare disruption that included a 15-day boycott of OP and academic duties, alongside a 12-day suspension of elective surgeries, which had left postgraduate students and resident doctors shouldering an overwhelming clinical burden.

The breakthrough was achieved during high-level deliberations between the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA) and the Health Department. Officials provided a written assurance to immediately release 18 months of pending salary revision arrears, with the Health Department taking direct responsibility for the disbursement. Additionally, the resolution addressed entry-level salary shortfalls and highlighted the recent creation of 44 new doctor posts in Kasaragod and Wayanad. Association leaders expressed optimism that fixing these baseline financial disparities will attract more young professionals to government service and help alleviate chronic understaffing.

Despite the immediate resumption of medical services, the KGMCTA has issued a firm ultimatum to the state government. The association explicitly warned that the statewide boycott will be vigorously reignited if the formal government order regarding the arrears is not issued within one week. While the healthcare system has temporarily stabilized, this looming seven-day deadline keeps the pressure firmly on the state administration to deliver on its written promises.