The striking students of Government Medical College, Manjeri, ended their four-day agitation on Friday following assurances from the government that their demands will be met soon.
Health Minister K.K. Shylaja and Medical Education Director Remla Beevi held talks with the striking student leaders in the capital and assured them that four doctors will soon be appointed in the Surgery Department.
M. Ummer, MLA representing Manjeri, raised the issue in the Assembly and played a role in bringing the striking medicos and the authorities to negotiation table.
The students had launched an indefinite strike four days ago demanding immediate appointment of teaching staff in the Surgery Department. Instead of 20 surgeons needed at the department, there were only four, who too could not offer clinical sessions for the students as they were pressured by outpatient (OP) consultation and surgical interventions in the operation theatre. She assured the students that apart from appointing four doctors in the Surgery Department, one doctor each would be posted in the Departments of Medicine and Gynaecology.
Ms. Shylaja also promised to speed up the procedures for constructing hostels for the students. The monthly payment of resident doctors would be increased from ₹35,000 to ₹50,000.
Meeting on May 25
Ms. Shylaja will convene a meeting of District Collector Amit Meena, Mr. Ummer, the health secretary, and other officials on May 25 to expedite the development work of the medical college.
Shortage of teachers is a concern for the medical college. During the Medical Council of India inspections, teaching staff from other colleges are deputed. Those doctors go back to their colleges soon after the MCI inspection.
