Doctor shortage cripples Peravoor Hospital, Kerala doctors demand urgent action

The hospital, which caters to a large population in the region, is currently operating with just 14 doctors, including the medical superintendent. Of these, one doctor is on long leave and the other has been deputed to a tribal mobile unit. The hospital's only gynaecologist is compelled to work around the clock, and due to the staff crunch, night emergency services have been suspended, reports the Daily.

Speaking to The Hindu, KGMOA district president V.S. Jidhin said, “Ideally, five doctors are required daily to manage emergency services in a taluk hospital, but the Peravoor hospital now relies on just two. This has forced even specialists to take up emergency duties, disrupting the general outpatient services that cater for over 700 patients daily.”

He also noted that with the monsoon approaching, the situation is likely to worsen. Essential services such as general medicine, paediatrics, and fever clinics are currently unable to operate at the hospital. As Peravoor Taluk Hospital is the only major healthcare facility in the region, residents are now facing increasing difficulties in accessing timely medical care. The KGMOA has strongly criticised the redeployment of doctors from the hospital to non-health-related duties, such as assignments for the Kottiyoor festival, calling it a violation of government directives.

The association further pointed out that two doctors were recently transferred out of the district without being replaced, adding to the burden on the remaining staff. According to the news reports, the association reported that over 80 medical officer posts remain vacant in Kannur district alone. Speaking to the Hindu, the KGMOA said that arbitrary assignments and keeping vacancies unfilled hit both routine care and disease control during the monsoon season. The KGMOA has urged the Kerala Health Department to intervene immediately and fill all vacant doctor positions.