The strike by the post graduate (PG)
medical students of government medical college hospitals (MCH) had entered the
third day yesterday. With reference to this the Director of Medical Education
(DME), Dr. Geetha had issued an ultimatum to all the doctors to report back to
work within 24hours and directed the principals of the MCH's to take strict
action against the doctors who fail to comply to this order.
The situation worsened because the
house surgeons and senior resident doctors also joined the strike along with
the PG students. The working of the out-patient department and emergency
departments were affected by the strike. The strike was called by Kerala
Medical Post Graduates Association (KMPGA). Doctors were on strike to press
their demands including opposition against the annual fee hike from Rs. 36,000
to Rs. 46,000. Other demands included better accommodation facilities at
hospitals and an increase in the stipend.
Kerala Health Minister P. K. Sreemathi held talks with representatives of Kerala Medical Postgraduates Association (KMPGA), however they could not reach up to any solution. If their demands are not met the PG students have warned to intensify the strike. While the Director of Medical Education (DME) has issued an ultimatum to them in this regard and has asked them to report back to work within 24hours, failing to which strict disciplinary action would be taken along with cutting of stipend and withholding certificates.
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