Kerala: Junior doctors call off indefinite strike plan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Medical Joint Action Committee called of its indefinite strike in government medical colleges from December 23 to demand the rollback of increase in the retirement age medical college doctors from 60 to 62. The decision was taken after health minister K.K. Shylaja assured to look into their demand sympathetically at a meeting held  on Friday evening. Apart from rollback of retirement age decision, the MJAC had demanded reduction in bond period, creation of more posts and expediting promotions. The minister pointed out that the government decision to increase retirement age was taken with good intention for the smooth functioning of medical colleges. 

The idea was to use their experience for health care services. The minister pointed out that shortage of experienced doctors was posing a serious threat losing recognition of many medical seats. If that happens, many poor students will be deprived of opportunity to do medical education in the state. The government had taken all these issues into consideration before taking a decision to increase the retirement age of doctors . The government assured that the decision will not affect the junior doctors.

The bond issue will be discussed by the committee comprising the PG students on January 3.   On the demand of PG students to make assistant professor entry cadre , the health minster said the issue was being discussed and special rules were being framed for considering MBBS in the absence of PGs. The meeting was attended by additional chief secretary health Rajeev Sadanandan, joint medical education director Dr  Sreekumari, special officer Dr Ajaykumar, representatives of MJAC Dr Rahul U. R., Dr Mithun Mohan and Dr Rohit Krishna.