Kerala’s public healthcare system is in a critical situation, as government medical college teachers caution that neglect may lead to its collapse. The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association highlighted staff shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and policy paralysis weakening the state’s medical education and tertiary care system. Medical colleges play a crucial role in providing advanced treatment, training specialists, and conducting research, forming the backbone of India’s healthcare structure.
The association emphasized that the quality of these institutions is vital for the overall public health system, warning that continued neglect could jeopardize Kerala’s health security. Despite claims of increased medical colleges in the state, many lack essential secondary-care facilities, with only a few offering full-fledged tertiary care and specialty services. This situation has driven patients towards private hospitals, leading to higher out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Kerala faces severe faculty shortages, with 375 teaching positions vacant in government medical colleges, including professors, associate professors, and assistant professors. New colleges in Kasaragod, Wayanad, Konni, and Idukki are struggling with manpower and infrastructure deficits, forcing doctors to handle a high volume of patients daily. The association criticized authorities for suspending doctors instead of addressing root causes under extreme workload conditions.
Recruitment delays, court cases, and unmet promises of pay revisions have further demoralized the faculty. Despite assurances made by the Health Minister in November 2025, no concrete actions have been taken. The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association has announced an escalation of protests, including boycotts of outpatient services and non-emergency procedures starting from January 13, while ensuring uninterrupted emergency care, ICUs, inpatient services, emergency surgeries, and post-mortem examinations.
The association stressed that the protest aims to safeguard citizens’ right to affordable, quality healthcare, urging public support and understanding for temporary inconveniences during the agitation.
