KOCHI: It has been four years since the government took over the Ernakulam Medical College. However, it is alleged the issues faced by the staff, including salary hike, TA, DA, promotions and integration, still remain unaddressed. "Apart from a few unilateral decisions, no firm policy has been made yet. Four years have passed since the government took over the institution. But, we were never invited to a meeting in which our salary, other allowances and integrations were discussed. We would like a representation in these meetings. No DPC meeting was held and our promotions are still pending," said Nazeem Hameed, president, Cooperative Medical College Teachers Association (CMCTA).
"The current policy does not give retrospective effect. A majority of the staff members had joined as early as 2000, but they will not get the service listed and will be considered as special appointments," he said.
"We function like any other medical college. Yet, our pay scale varies from the doctors of other medical colleges. Our salary is 50-60 per cent less compared to that of other doctors. Besides, there is a variation in the TA we get, which is 119 per cent, while the doctors in other medical colleges are getting 136 per cent. Besides, we do not have DA," said Dr G Unnikrishnan, secretary, CMCTA.
"As of now, the integration policy is unclear. The government has promised that everyone will be integrated. The case of professors and associate professors lacks clarity. We are not getting Non-Practising Allowance (NPA). As a first step, we expect the government to settle at least these issues immediately," said Dr Unnikrishnan.
In protest against the lackadaisical attitude of the government towards doctors, they observed 'black day' on Monday. Further plans of protests include going on a mass leave on January 9. "We were promised a meeting with the Health Minister to discuss our issues months ago. However, it never took place. We will go ahead with our protests until we are allowed an audience with the authorities concerned to resolve our problems," said Unnikrishnan.
The Ernakulam Medical College was established in 1999 by Cooperative Academy of Professional Education under the Department of Cooperation as a government-owned institution. In 2013, Government of Kerala took over the college as a purely government organisation.