Kerala Hospitals Get 24/7 Specialist Services

The Kerala government and the Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA) have reached a significant consensus to ensure specialist medical services are available around the clock in district and general hospitals across the state. This agreement follows earlier disagreements, with the government now assuring that all vacancies in specialist positions will be filled and promotion processes will be accelerated to support the new initiative.

Under the new plan, specialist doctors will be present in person for services between 8 AM and 8 PM. For the remaining hours, from 8 PM to 8 AM, teleconsultation services will be provided. The government has committed to ensuring a minimum of nine specialist doctors for each specialty in hospitals implementing these 24/7 services, and consent will be obtained before redeploying doctors from primary health centers, with replacement doctors to be provided.

Furthermore, the government has agreed to consider the KGMOA's request for special allowances for specialists who are redeployed as part of this program. This resolution is expected to lead to the full implementation of the 24/7 specialist service program, with Punalur hospital being one of the first to benefit. The initiative's primary goal is to enhance specialist care at the district level and decrease patient dependency on tertiary care facilities.