On September 22, 2025, the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers' Association (KGMCTA) observed a 'Black Day' to protest against ongoing issues in the state's medical colleges. The protest highlighted concerns over faculty shortages, inadequate infrastructure, excessive workload, and delayed pay revisions. Teachers gathered at various government medical colleges and the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) office, signalling the gravity of their grievances.
Key Issues Raised by KGMCTA
The KGMCTA has been vocal about several pressing issues affecting medical education and healthcare services in Kerala:
- Faculty Shortage: A significant gap exists between the student-teacher ratio, leading to increased pressure on existing staff.
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: Many medical colleges lack essential facilities and resources, impacting both teaching and patient care.
- Temporary Transfers: Frequent, short-term transfers of teachers between colleges disrupt continuity in education and healthcare services.
- Workload Pressures: Teachers are facing extended working hours without adequate support, affecting their well-being.
- Delayed Pay Revisions: Long-pending salary revisions and arrears have not been addressed, leading to financial strain on faculty members.
Future Actions and Demands
The KGMCTA has indicated that if these issues remain unresolved, they may escalate their protests. Potential actions include:
- Boycotting Teaching and Outpatient Services: Limiting academic and clinical responsibilities to draw attention to their demands.
- Public Demonstrations: Organising rallies and sit-ins to mobilize public support and pressure authorities.
- Engaging with Stakeholders: Seeking meetings with government officials and policymakers to discuss and resolve the issues.
The association has emphasised that these steps are not taken lightly but are necessary to ensure the quality of medical education and healthcare services in the state.
Broader Implications
The ongoing protests by KGMCTA reflect broader challenges in the healthcare sector, including:
- Recruitment and Retention: Difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified faculty members due to unfavourable working conditions and compensation.
- Quality of Education: Strain on teaching staff can affect the quality of education provided to medical students, impacting future healthcare professionals.
- Healthcare Delivery: Overburdened faculty may lead to compromised patient care, affecting the overall healthcare system's efficiency.
The Kerala government's response to these protests will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of medical education and healthcare services in the state.
