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Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Health Department withdrew its controversial circular banning social media activities among staff following strong protests from doctors' organizations. Dr. Reena KJ, Director of Health Services, issued an order on March 21, cancelling the circular issued on March 13 with retrospective effect. The department reconsidered its decision after facing objections from the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association, which threatened legal action against the order. In a joint statement, KGMOA state president Dr. TN Suresh and general secretary Dr. Sunil PK criticized the circular as an infringement on the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression. They emphasized the importance of health workers using online platforms for healthcare and public health promotion. The circular from the DHS referenced the Government Service Conduct Rules, 1960, as grounds for denying staff permission to engage in social media activities. Specifically, it mentioned a demand from staff to begin a video channel on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. The circular stated that under Rule 48, government employees are prohibited from earning income through social media, making it difficult to determine if approval should be granted. However, it noted that the government retains the ability to take action against employees who violate service rules, even without issuing such circulars.