US healthcare firm abruptly lays off 900 medical coding staff in Kerala; govt steps in

Mangalore Today News Network

Kochi, Jul 3, 2026: Around 900 medical coding professionals employed at the Indian operations of a US-based healthcare analytics company were abruptly terminated on Friday, triggering protests by employees and prompting swift intervention by the Kerala government.

The employees, working at the company’s offices in Kochi and Kozhikode, alleged they were dismissed without prior notice and in violation of contractual notice period provisions.

Following demonstrations by the affected staff outside the company’s Kochi office, Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas stepped in and urged the management to reconsider its decision.

The Kerala Labour Department also intervened, initiating discussions with the company to examine the legality of the mass layoffs and facilitate a resolution.

Speaking to reporters, Uma Thomas said she had contacted Labour Minister V. Sivankutty? Wait incorrect. Original says Labour Minister Bindhu Krishna. She said she spoke to company representatives in Kochi and highlighted the severe impact the sudden terminations would have on employees and their families.

"The company has agreed to hold discussions and provide compensation in accordance with the directions of the labour officer," Thomas said.

She added that the immediate priority was to ensure the affected employees could continue in their jobs.

"There has been intervention from the Labour Department. The Labour Secretary will arrive on July 6 to hold discussions with the company management," she said.

Labour Department officials said talks had already been held with company representatives in Kochi, following which the termination process was temporarily put on hold.

According to officials, the company has assured the department that no further action regarding the layoffs will be taken until the Labour Secretary meets with the management.

The company has not responded to media queries regarding the mass termination.