Karnataka Faces Shortage of 900 MBBS Doctors; Minister Announces Fast-Track Hiring

MANGALURU — Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader announced on Sunday that Karnataka is currently facing a shortage of 900 MBBS doctors, prompting the state government to launch a simplified contract recruitment drive to fill the vacant positions.

Speaking in Mangaluru during his first official visit to Dakshina Kannada district after assuming office, the minister outlined a fast-track process designed to bypass traditional administrative delays. Under the new system, MBBS graduates who are willing to serve on a contract basis can directly approach the District Health Officer (DHO) in their respective districts.

Once the candidates submit their applications, the DHO will forward the appointment proposals to the Deputy Commissioner. The minister assured that official appointment orders would be issued to the doctors within a week of their application.

To ensure the process is executed without delays, Khader issued a stern warning to local health administrators. He stated that if any DHO fails to act promptly on these recruitment applications, they will face strict disciplinary action, including suspension from service.

Doctors recruited through this fast-track contract system will receive a fixed monthly salary of Rs 60,000.

During his address, the minister also responded to concerns regarding partnerships between government hospitals and private medical colleges. Khader defended these collaborations, stating that such joint efforts are aimed at strengthening the overall delivery of healthcare services in the state. He emphasized that the primary goal of his department is to ensure citizens receive free and quality medical treatment, promising that any existing shortages in facilities or manpower would be systematically addressed.

Improving the overall functioning of government hospitals remains one of the department's top priorities. Highlighting his own recent late-night visit to a government hospital after taking charge, Khader remarked that visiting healthcare facilities during late hours provides a realistic picture of their daily operations. He stated that senior health officials must also conduct regular, surprise inspections rather than relying solely on the minister to do so, ensuring that hospitals consistently serve the public effectively.