Oppn protests in Kerala Assembly over medical fee hike

Congress-led UDF opposition in Kerala on Tuesday staged a walkout in the Assembly alleging that the LDF government had "surrendered" before the private self-financing medical college managements by agreeing to "hike" fees for PG courses. The opposition members trooped to the well of the House and raised slogans demanding a discussion on the fees structure leading to the adjournment of the House for sometime.

Replying to the notice for an adjournment motion over the issue, state Health minister K K Shylaja refuted opposition charges, saying fees for PG courses was fixed by the Fees Regulatory Committee, taking into consideration various guidelines.

She also said medical colleges run by Christian managements had agreed to the fees structure of Rs 16 lakh for clinical course and Rs 8.50 lakh for non-clinical ones.