KGMOA decides not to cooperate with the working arrangement proposed in Kollam district
The association is demanding that the government establish clear guidelines and adequately staff hospitals before implementing round-the-clock services, underlining the urgent need for a more robust healthcare infrastructure.
The Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) has announced it will not cooperate with the working arrangement proposed by the Kollam District Medical Officer (DMO) for a 24/7 specialty care service at Punalur taluk hospital in Kollam district. The decision comes after the KGMOA's State Committee held an emergency online meeting on August 25, 2026, and pointed out several issues with the initiative.
KGMOA highlighted that there are currently 799 vacancies of doctors in the health service, with 300 in the specialty cadre, 476 in the general cadre, and 23 in the administrative cadre. The association emphasized that the Health department does not have enough human resources to implement the 24/7 service provision without creating new posts.
KGMOA urged the government to prioritize filling existing vacancies and creating specialty-cadre posts before implementing the initiative. The association also pointed out the need for proper infrastructure and staffing, including adequate posts for casualty medical officers and emergency physicians, as well as supporting staff like pharmacy, lab technicians, nurses, and nursing assistants.
KGMOA stated that doctors work in a team and that more support staff would be necessary to ensure round-the-clock service provision is feasible.
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