Kerala govt doctors oppose extension of working hours at Community Health Centres
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): An association of the government doctors in Kerala on Friday strongly opposed the state government's decision to extend the working hours of Community Health Centres from 9 am to 6 pm without increasing staff strength.
In a statement, the Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA) said the move places an unfair burden on doctors and other health workers who are already overworked.
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It described the decision as impractical and unjust, taken without considering ground realities.
KGMOA pointed out that Community Health Centres function under conditions very different from Family Health Centres and have wider responsibilities.
It said existing government norms on minimum staff strength are not being followed and no new posts have been created in these centres in recent years.
The association said many Community Health Centres operate with only three doctors.
Extending OPD hours till evening would mean that, apart from the charge officer, only two doctors would have to manage the OPD till 6 pm. This could lead to situations where only one doctor is available in the OPD during peak morning hours.
"In centres that are already crowded with patients, having a single doctor in the OPD will cause dissatisfaction, conflicts and affect the quality of care," the statement said.
KGMOA demanded that the government immediately withdraw the revised order and ensure adequate human resources before taking such decisions.
It also warned that it would strongly resist any move that adds further pressure on doctors who are unable to even take their entitled leave due to heavy workload.
The statement was signed by KGMOA president Dr Sunil P K and general secretary Dr Jobin G Joseph.
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Regret participating in 'movement' that vilified ex-PM Manmohan Singh: Prashant Bhushan
New Delhi: Senior advocate and activist Prashant Bhushan has expressed regret over his past role in political movements that, he said, contributed to the vilification of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Bhushan made the remarks in a post on social media on the first death anniversary of Manmohan Singh.
In his post, Bhushan described Manmohan Singh as “a humble, decent, well educated and well meaning man,” adding that the former prime minister’s humility and decency were “seen as a weakness.” He said he regretted having participated in a movement that helped discredit Singh and, in his words, “helped a rogue regime come to power.”
Bhushan’s statement is widely seen as a reference to the anti-corruption movement that gained momentum during the second United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, when Manmohan Singh was prime minister. The movement, led by civil society activists, had targeted corruption allegations against the government and eventually reshaped India’s political landscape. Critics have since argued that the campaign contributed to undermining Singh’s leadership and paved the way for a change in government at the Centre.
Manmohan Singh, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, was known for his low-profile style, technocratic approach and role in shaping India’s economic reforms.
He was a humble, decent, well educated & well meaning man. His humility & decency was seen as a weakness.
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) December 26, 2025
I regret having participated in a movement that vilified him & helped a rogue regime come to power pic.twitter.com/6JWOrdCZdE
