The government has signalled its resolve to take on the State-wide agitation by a section of doctors from Monday. Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar warned of strong action against doctors participating in the stir announced by the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA).
A press note quoting the Minister here on Sunday said the proposed agitation was unjustifiable at a time when the situation warranted heightened vigil by doctors against epidemics. Mr. Sivakumar said the government saw the unilateral declaration of the stir by KGMOA as a challenge to the common man.
Pointing out that several rounds of discussions had been held with the doctors, he said the government would not concede their demands to reduce the OP time at government hospitals and to permit private practice.
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“The decision to link general and district hospitals to the new medical colleges as a temporary measure was taken at a meeting convened by the Chief Minister with representatives of KGMOA. This, however, will not affect the terms and conditions of doctors in these hospitals. Besides, doctors on deemed deputation have been sanctioned the same allowance as their counterparts in other medical colleges.”
The Minister said the government was ready to concede the legitimate demands of doctors. He, however, warned that unjustifiable agitations would be dealt with strongly.