Tue Mar 18 16:24:58 UTC 2025: ## Kozhikode Medical College Services Disrupted by PG Doctor Stipend Strike
**Kozhikode, Kerala, March 18, 2025** – Outpatient and ward services at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode were disrupted on Tuesday following an indefinite strike by postgraduate medical students protesting the delayed disbursement of their monthly stipends. The strike, organized by the Calicut chapter of the Kerala Medical Post Graduates Association (KMPGA), involved approximately 700 doctors – considered the backbone of the 3,000-patient-a-day hospital.
The February stipend, normally released before the 10th of the month, was not paid until March 17th, prompting the strike. While emergency services were exempted, the disruption significantly impacted hospital operations. The KMPGA stated the delay was unique to Kozhikode medical college, unlike other institutions.
Following discussions with the Finance Minister and hospital authorities, including a prior token strike, the funds were released to the Director of Medical Education late Tuesday night, ending the protest. The KMPGA cited patient welfare as a key factor in calling off the strike. The students’ union and the Kozhikode branch of the Indian Medical Association voiced their support for the striking doctors. Meanwhile, a separate state-wide protest by Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association against the Director of Health Services also took place.
First Piper 