Overview Doctors in government medical colleges across Kerala are moving towards an indefinite strike to protest the government’s continued neglect of their long-standing demands. This action will impact teaching activities and non-emergency medical services, raising concerns about healthcare delivery in the state. The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association (KGMCTA) is spearheading the protest. Key Developments Boycott of Teaching Activities: All teaching activities will be boycotted starting from January 13, 2026 . Discontinuation of Non-Emergency Services: All non-emergency medical services in medical college hospitals will be discontinued from the week after January 13, 2026 . Dharna by KGMCTA: On January 19, 2026 , the KGMCTA will stage a dharna in front of the Secretariat, reiterating their demands. Exclusion of Essential Services: Essential medical care services, including casualty, labour room, ICU, in-patient care, other emergency treatments, emergency surgeries, and post-mortem examinations, will be excluded from the protest. Demands of the Doctors The KGMCTA has stated that the government has failed to address several long-pending demands, despite assurances. These demands include: Rectification of anomalies in the pay revision order. Disbursement of salary and DA (Dearness Allowance) arrears pending since 2016 . Avoidance of temporary and mass transfers. Creation of adequate faculty posts. Provision of sufficient facilities for faculty and patients in medical college hospitals. Previous Actions and Government Response Doctors have been protesting since July 2025 , intensifying their agitation with overt protest programs and relay boycotts of outpatient services. A meeting convened by the Health Minister on November 10, 2025 , provided assurances, but no concrete action followed. KGMCTA's Stance The KGMCTA asserts that doctors are being forced into this strike due to the lack of constructive efforts from the government. They will continue their work-to-rule agitation and non-cooperation with the government. Rosenara Beegum T. , State president, and Aravind C.S. , General Secretary of KGMCTA , have emphasized the doctors' resolve. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to GS2 (Governance, Social Justice) and GS3 (Economy) . It highlights issues related to healthcare administration, government policies towards medical professionals, and the potential impact on public health services. Understanding the causes and consequences of such strikes is crucial for UPSC aspirants. Important Facts The strike is organized by the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association (KGMCTA) . Teaching activities will be boycotted from January 13, 2026 . A dharna is scheduled for January 19, 2026 , in front of the Secretariat. Essential medical services will be excluded from the strike. The doctors' demands include the disbursement of salary and DA arrears pending since 2016 .