The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association (KGMCTA) has decided to temporarily suspend its ongoing boycott of outpatient (OP) clinics and academic activities for a week following talks with the Additional Chief Secretary (Health) here on Wednesday.
The KGMCTA said in a statement issued here that it had decided to hold off its agitation for a short while in view of the assurances it received from the government regarding the disbursal of pending pay revision arrears and steps to enhance the standard of care in medical colleges.
Medical college faculty has also decided to defer its relay hunger strike for a week. They will rejoin OP clinics and resume academic activities.
During the talks with the Additional Chief Secretary (Health), initiated on specific directions from Health Minister Veena George, the government agreed to disburse the pay revision arrears of 18 months immediately. The arrears of the remaining 39 months will be disbursed in accordance with the legal advice, it was promised
The Additional Chief Secretary (Health) is believed to have given the assurance to doctors that as there are no legal hurdles as far as the payment of arrears for 18 months is concerned, the Health department would take up the responsibility of getting it disbursed without delay.
