Karnataka Faces Shortage of 900 MBBS Doctors, UT Khader Announces Contract Recruitment

Karnataka is currently facing a shortage of 900 MBBS doctors, Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader announced in Mangaluru. Speaking during his first visit to the Dakshina Kannada district after assuming office, the minister outlined a simplified recruitment process designed to quickly fill the vacancies on a contract basis to prevent any deficiency in healthcare services.

Under the new simplified process, MBBS graduates who are willing to serve on a contract basis can directly approach their respective District Health Officer (DHO). Once an application is submitted, the appointment proposals will be forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner (DC), and the official appointment orders will be issued within a week.

The minister issued a stern warning to local health administration officials regarding any delays in processing these applications. Khader stated that if any DHO fails to act on the applications of willing doctors, strict action, including suspension, will be taken against them. Contract doctors hired under this system will receive a monthly salary of Rs 60,000.

Addressing the broader healthcare infrastructure, Khader also spoke about partnerships between government hospitals and private medical colleges. He emphasized that these collaborations are intended to strengthen healthcare services across the state. The minister stated that the government's priority is to ensure that people receive free and quality treatment, and any shortage in facilities or manpower will be addressed with the necessary assistance.

Additionally, the minister highlighted the importance of accountability in government healthcare facilities, stating that improving the functioning of government hospitals is one of his key priorities. Following a nighttime visit to a government hospital after taking charge, Khader noted that late-hour visits provide a realistic picture of how these institutions operate. He urged senior health officials to conduct regular, surprise inspections to ensure public hospitals serve the people effectively.