Kerala Doctors observe betrayal day protesting against non-payment of salaries, anomalies in pay revision

Written by Sanchari Chattopadhyay Published On 2021-03-04T09:00:46+05:30 | Updated On 4 March 2021 9:00 AM IST

Kerala Doctors observe betrayal day protesting against non-payment of salaries, anomalies in pay revision

Kerala: All the Medical College Doctors in the State, led by KGMCTA, observed a Betrayal Day yesterday to protest against non-payment of salary arrears including Medical College Doctors' Allowance Reform (NPA, PCA).

Protests and dharnas were held in front of the principal's office in all medical colleges and in front of the DME office in Thiruvananthapuram. Patient care and teaching were not affected though.

Also Read:Protests over Pay Revision, Arrears Due Since 2016: Kerala Doctors Association releases action plan

The doctors have also raised their voices against irregularities including entry cadre and duration of career advancement promotion. All the COVID protocols were duly followed and maintained by the protesters. KGMCTA elaborated that the salary revision for doctors in government medical colleges in 2016 has been extended to 2020. No salary arrears including allowances due during this period were received.

KGMCTA State President Dr Binoy S initiated the protest in front of the DME office in Thiruvananthapuram. State Secretary Dr Nirmal Bhaskar presided over the function. Unit President Dr. Sreekumar RC, Dr. Srinath, Dr. Sheela, Dr. Dileep and Dr. Raj also spoke on the occasion.

In a recent Press Release, KGMCTA stated, "Medical college doctors in the state will go on an indefinite strike. VIP duty, pay ward duty and non-Kovid-non-emergency meetings will be boycotted during this period. Additional jobs will be boycotted as well. All work unrelated to patients or teaching will be boycotted. From today onwards, medical college doctors in the state will observe Curry Day every day indefinitely and give explanatory notes to patients and the public."

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported about the action plan released by the association wherein it clarified that if the government does not provide any redressal till mid of March, there will be a 24-hour boycott of OP, elective surgery, and teaching on March 17th.

1. If no decision is taken yet, all the medical college doctors in Kerala will light candles in front of the Secretariat on 10/3/2021 at 6.30 pm. At 8 pm on the same day, the medical college doctors will hold a press conference. Protests will follow all COVID protocols.

2. If there is no decision again, there will be a 24-hour boycott of OP, elective surgery, and teaching on March 17th. Emergency services, labor room, casualty, emergency surgeries, ward duty, and COVID treatment will be provided without interruption. All COVID protocols will be followed.

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Sanchari Chattopadhyay

Sanchari Chattopadhyay has pursued her M.A in English and Culture Studies from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal. She likes observing cultural specificities and exploring new places.