Doctors call off proposed strike as government assures action on demands

H.C. Mahadevappa
| Photo Credit:
File Photo

The Karnataka Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) on Tuesday called off its proposed indefinite strike that was scheduled to begin on March 11, Wednesday, after the State government assured that their demands would be considered in a time-bound manner.

The decision was made after association representatives met with the Chief Secretary, Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and other senior Health and Family Welfare Department officials on Tuesday.

According to KGMOA State president Ravindranath M. Meti, the government has agreed to address 13 of the 14 demands raised by the association.

“We have received an assurance from the government that most of our demands will be addressed within a stipulated timeframe. Therefore, for the time being, we have decided to defer our agitation, while keeping the option of future protests open if progress is not made within the promised timeframe,” Dr. Meti told The Hindu.

The association had earlier warned that government doctors would launch a phased protest beginning on Wednesday, March 11. In the first phase, from March 11 to 15, doctors had planned to stop outpatient services while continuing emergency services. From March 16 onwards, doctors, officers, and employees had proposed to abstain from all duties until their demands were met.

Officials said the government initiated discussions with the association ahead of the strike to prevent disruption of healthcare services across the State.

Additional post

Among the assurances given by the government is the creation of an Additional Secretary-level post in the department, which would be held by a technical expert. The association has long demanded such a position to ensure that administrative decisions in the department are supported by technical expertise.

In earlier representations to the government, the association had pointed out that the Health Department currently has about 36,397 officers and employees, who provide healthcare services to nearly six crore people in the State. However, vacancies, retirements and delays in recruitment have significantly increased the workload on existing staff.

Key demands

Among the key demands raised by the association are amendments to the Cadre and Recruitment Rules, publication of updated seniority lists, and timely promotions for eligible doctors and staff. According to the association, seniority lists in some cadres have not been revised for nearly 13 years, leading to delays in promotions.

The association has also flagged concerns over the suspension of in-service higher education opportunities for doctors, irregular transfers, and the shortage of medicines in government hospitals.

Another major concern raised by the association is the large number of vacancies in the department, with nearly 40% of sanctioned posts reportedly remaining unfilled. Many of these sanctioned positions were created based on 1998 population data, the association said, arguing that staffing levels have not kept pace with the State’s growing population and healthcare demands.