The Kerala Government Medical Association (KGMOA) has expressed strong protest against the government’s order extending outpatient (OP) consultation hours in government hospitals across the state till 2 pm.
In a statement in Thiruvananthapuram, the KGMOA said that the shortcuts taken by the government by extending doctor’s working hours, instead of addressing issues like patient overload in OP clinics by scientifically creating posts and strengthening human resources, are not acceptable under any circumstances.
The current time is from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Doctors in government hospitals are already working without adequate rest due to limited equipment and severe shortage of human resources. Extending office hours instead of increasing the number of sanctioned places will put doctors under heavy physical and mental strain, which will subsequently affect the quality of patient care.
KGMOA demanded that the government immediately establish a clear and appropriate doctor-patient ratio that would specify the number of patients a doctor should see per day so that people can be given the kind of medical care they deserve and expect.
The government should seriously look at the acute shortage of human resources in the sector and create new posts commensurate with the increase in the number of patients and the increased workload of doctors.
KGMOA has threatened to organize nationwide protests if the government does not immediately withdraw its “unilateral” decision to extend operating hours.
Published – 09 March 2026 20:29 IST
