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Thiruvananthapuram—Medical college teachers across Kerala have issued a stern warning that they may soon restrict patient care services if the state government fails to address persistent issues concerning pay arrears, delayed faculty transfers, and severe staff shortages. The ultimatum emerged after the Central Executive Committee of the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association (KGMCTA) convened at Thrissur, where members unanimously flagged the mounting difficulties faced in government medical college hospitals.
At the meeting, Dr. Harris Chirackal, Head of the Urology Department at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital—a vocal advocate for systemic reform—highlighted that these grievances are widespread and fundamental to all medical college hospitals statewide. The association expressed solidarity with Dr. Chirackal, referencing delayed pay revision arrears dating from 2016 to 2020, unresolved pay cuts at the entry-level, and protracted general transfer processes as especially acute problems.
Faculty representatives further demanded the government immediately resolve these issues and restore redeployed doctors sent to Wayanad and Kasaragod for new college approvals. They stressed that the current shortage of faculty and non-faculty positions threatens the functioning of institutions across Kerala, and insisted no new medical colleges should open until sufficient workforce is available.
In a written notice, KGMCTA communicated that doctors would be forced to limit patient care to the extent allowed by their constrained resources if the government remains unresponsive.
These developments arise amid growing scrutiny over Kerala’s deteriorating public healthcare infrastructure, with shortages of medicines, medical equipment, and basic facilities reported at several government hospitals. The crisis recently drew public attention after Dr. Chirackal’s whistleblowing on delays in surgeries due to equipment shortfalls, echoing broader concerns about bureaucratic inefficiency and underfunding.
“The unwanted delays in the administrative system is a reality and Dr Haris’ post has been an eye-opener for many. There is a need to fast track the system. Action against the doctor will not solve the problem, and we will strongly protest any such move,” said Dr. Rosenara Beegum, state president of the KGMCTA.
Health department officials have yet to respond formally to the association’s demands as apprehension grows over the potential impact of curtailed medical services on the state’s already strained healthcare system.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information reported by Medical Dialogues and other media, current as of July 16, 2025. All details are subject to further updates or clarifications from relevant authorities.
