The Kerala State branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called on the state government to revise the salaries of junior doctors and fix a minimum monthly pay of Rs 80,000, stating that the current remuneration does not adequately reflect their qualifications, responsibilities and workload.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the association expressed concern over a recent notification from Government Medical College, Thrissur, which offered a monthly salary of Rs 42,000 for MBBS-qualified doctors appointed as Casualty Medical Officers (CMOs). According to the IMA, the amount is disproportionately low considering that doctors undergo more than five-and-a-half years of rigorous medical education and mandatory training before taking on critical responsibilities, including emergency care, life-saving treatment and medico-legal duties.
The association highlighted the disparity by pointing out that certain government positions requiring lower educational qualifications offer significantly higher starting salaries. It clarified that the comparison was intended solely to underline the inadequate compensation provided to doctors and not to question the pay scales of other government employees.
Describing junior doctors as the backbone of the public healthcare system, the IMA noted that they provide essential services round the clock in casualty departments, intensive care units, medical and surgical wards, and labour rooms. These professionals often work night shifts under intense physical and mental pressure while carrying substantial legal and professional responsibilities.
The association also warned that a growing number of young doctors are leaving Kerala for better employment opportunities in other states and abroad due to poor pay and working conditions. It cautioned that the state’s public healthcare system could face a shortage of skilled professionals if adequate financial recognition is not ensured.
Reiterating its long-standing demand, the IMA said that a minimum monthly salary of Rs 80,000 for junior doctors is a reasonable expectation and necessary to recognise the crucial role they play in safeguarding public health.
IMA Kerala State President Dr M N Menon and State Secretary Dr Roy R Chandran urged the government to immediately review the salary structure of Casualty Medical Officers at Government Medical College, Thrissur, as well as other junior doctors across the state, and ensure a minimum monthly remuneration of Rs 80,000.