Internship Extension issue: Kerala House Surgeons call off strike after authorities agree to give permanent registration

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the house surgeons of Kerala House Surgeons Association (KHSA) were planning to go on infinite strike if the authorities force the extension of the internship.

Demanding immediate release of their CRRI completion certificate so that they can start practicing as a registered medical practitioner, the house surgeons had stated that after four and a half years of MBBS study, the one-year internship is compulsory under the bond, the doctors are entitled to receive their CRRI certificate to start their practice as extending it for 3 months would affect their preparations for post-graduation and competitive examinations. The association had also decided to approach the esteemed High Court as the government issued an order contrary to the KHSA's stand on the matter.

KHSA approached the higher-level authorities and held a meeting with them in presence of the Chief Minister also. In a recent press release, KHSA stated that following the decision made in the meeting, the DME on 23/4/2021 issued a notification to all Government Medical College Principals and directed that the Kerala House Surgeons from the batch of 2015, completing their CRRI should be given permanent registration so that they can get appointed in the Non-Academic JR post.

"The DME also insisted that the posting order be prepared after consultation with the HSA officers and principal in accordance with the duty hours prescribed in the JR post, the working pattern of each college, and the number of house surgeons", informed the association.

KHSA also stated that the authorities have assured that the final year examination of the 2016 batch will be conducted on time. Following this, the Exam Controller of Health University had also announced that the examinations would be held on 23.4.2021.

The association further stated, " The strike is seen as a victory for the house surgeons and the KHSA led by them. The KHSA, therefore, announces that it will discuss with the principal at the college level to withdraw the current strike and create a posting order and that all colleges will be on duty by Monday. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the organizations and individuals who have declared their support for the cause." At the same time, KHSA informed that the petition will proceed as pre-determined and will abide by the judgment of the Hon'ble High Court.