IMA Kerala demands Rs 80,000 minimum monthly wage for doctors

Kochi: The Kerala branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a minimum monthly salary of Rs 80,000 for doctors, citing findings from a survey of over 4,000 medical professionals that revealed widespread wage dissatisfaction across the sector. According to IMA Kerala president Dr MN Menon, many doctors, particularly those in the early stages of their careers, earn only Rs 20,000 to 30,000 per month in the private sector. "While doctors entering govt service through Public Service Commission recruitment receive around Rs 60,000 to 70,000 per month, those recruited under the National Health Mission (NHM) continue to receive significantly lower remuneration," he said. The survey, the first of its kind in Kerala, was initiated on Feb 8, 2026, following a decision by the IMA Kerala unit to examine the wage structure of doctors, especially junior doctors. "A dedicated committee was formed and held multiple sittings over three months, consulting senior IMA leaders, postgraduate residents, junior doctors, foreign medical graduates (FMGs), and consultants," Menon said. The findings were striking. Around 82% of respondents said they were not receiving satisfactory wages, while 81% of junior doctors reported being subjected to bonded service. Even specialists and super-specialists do not get fair remuneration. On the question of career prospects, approximately 59% of doctors expressed a desire to migrate abroad, 32% preferred to continue practicing in Kerala and 7.6% were considering moving to other Indian states. The IMA also raised concerns about staff shortages in govt hospitals. The existing staff pattern, fixed in 1960, has not been updated to reflect current needs. "The current situation forces doctors to see up to 400 patients a day, which is undesirable," said A Sulphi Noohu, chairman of the committee for minimum wages. "Improving the doctor-patient ratio would enhance the quality of patient care," he said.Another concern highlighted was the growing influx of foreign direct investment (FDI) into Kerala's healthcare sector. IMA office bearers warned that profit-driven global firms could push up the cost of medical treatment, and called on the state govt to step in and regulate such investments. On organ trafficking, the IMA pointed to procedural complexities in cadaver organ donation as a key factor enabling organ trade mafias to operate. The association demanded that the govt simplify the norms governing cadaver organ donation to eliminate these loopholes.