Kerala’s public healthcare system is facing a serious manpower shortage, with 783 medical officer posts lying vacant across all 14 districts. The shortage affects different levels of the health system, from assistant surgeons to senior consultants and administrative positions.
Assistant Surgeon Posts Hit Hard
The assistant surgeon cadre accounts for 431 vacancies, making it the most affected category. Kasaragod has the highest number of vacancies at 113, followed by Palakkad with 87 and Kannur with 70. Idukki and Pathanamthitta also report significant shortages, with 41 and 25 vacant posts, respectively.
Meanwhile, more than 300 specialist posts remain vacant in consultant, junior consultant and senior consultant categories. Departments such as obstetrics and gynaecology, anaesthesia, general surgery, paediatrics and general medicine face major staff gaps.
Prateeksha Centres Raise Concerns
Against this backdrop, the government has launched ‘Prateeksha Centres’ to provide round-the-clock specialist services at selected district and general hospitals. The project began as a pilot at Punalur Taluk Hospital on September 1.
However, doctors have raised concerns about transferring staff from peripheral hospitals to these centres without appointing replacements. As per The New Indian Express, the Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) warned that such redeployment could disrupt routine and emergency services at other facilities.
Doctors Seek Fresh Appointments
The health department recently issued 430 appointment letters, but only 134 doctors received them and about half eventually joined duty. Health Services Director Dr V Meenakshy said many newly appointed doctors have not joined because they are pursuing postgraduate courses.
Furthermore, KGMOA warned that expanding specialist services without adequate nursing, paramedical and technical staff could increase doctors’ workloads and affect the quality of care. The association has urged the government to make fresh appointments, ensure fair distribution of National Health Mission resources and strengthen existing regional hospitals instead of relying on staff transfers.