The Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) and the State government, which had been at loggerheads over the latter’s decision to implement specialty care services round-the-clock in selected hospitals in districts, seem to have ironed out their differences at the meeting between Health Minister K. Muraleedharan and the doctors on Sunday (August 30, 2026) afternoon.

The KGMOA State leadership, which met Mr. Muraleedharan, said all the concerns and apprehensions as well as suggestions of the association were presented to the Minister and that a detailed discussion was possible about the government’s decision to introduce 24×7 specialty services in general and district hospitals.

“The meeting was very positive and constructive and the Minister responded very positively to our concerns and most of our major apprehensions were addressed,” P.K. Sunil, State president of KGMOA, said.

The government informed the doctors that the plan was to provide specialty services from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and teleconsultation services from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. The KGMOA was assured that a minimum of nine specialist doctors in each medical specialty will be ensured in all hospitals where 24×7 specialty services are introduced.

Creation of posts

The government has also given the assurance that sufficient specialty posts will be created within the next three months and that the Director of Health Services has been entrusted with the task of submitting a proposal for the creation of these posts.

Until the creation of these additional posts, the shortage of specialists will be addressed through the redeployment of specialist doctors from peripheral institutions. It was further assured that such redeployment would be purely based on the willingness of the concerned doctors. Doctors who are redeployed will also be given special allowances, Dr. Sunil said.

Pilot project

The 24×7 service will initially be implemented as a pilot project and will be reviewed on a monthly basis. Any additional posts required will be created based on the workload and requirements identified in individual institutions.

Casualty services will also be strengthened, and additional casualty medical officer posts will be created. A triage system will be implemented in all hospitals where casualty services are given, something the KGMOA has been demanding for long.

Filling of vacancies

The KGMOA said the Minister has also given the assurance that immediate steps will be taken to fill all existing vacancies within one month. Steps will also be taken to expedite promotions and cadre placements.

The Minister has assured that adequate strength of paramedical staff and other supporting services will be ensured for the effective functioning of the proposed specialty services, the KGMOA said.

The government has also conveyed its decision that a special incentive equivalent to 30% of the current pay will be provided to health service doctors working in underserved districts, it added.

The KGMOA added that it wholeheartedly welcomed the positive and constructive approach of the Minister and hoped that the assurances given by the government would be translated into timely action.