Karnataka faces shortage of 900 MBBS doctors, UT Khader announces contract hiring
During his first visit to Dakshina Kannada district after assuming office, Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader announced in Mangaluru on Sunday that the state is currently facing a shortage of 900 MBBS doctors. To quickly address this vacancy, the minister unveiled a simplified recruitment process designed to hire medical graduates on a contract basis.
Under this newly simplified system, MBBS graduates who are willing to serve the state on contract can directly approach their respective District Health Officer (DHO). Once the application is received, the DHO will forward the appointment proposals to the District Commissioner (DC). The minister promised that official appointment orders would then be issued within a single week.
Khader also warned of severe consequences for administrative delays. He stated that if any DHO fails to take prompt action on these applications, strict disciplinary action, including suspension, will be initiated against them. Doctors hired under this contract system will be paid a monthly salary of Rs 60,000.
Addressing ongoing discussions about the healthcare system, the minister also touched upon partnerships between government hospitals and private medical colleges. He clarified that such collaborations are intended to strengthen healthcare services across the state.
According to the minister, the government's primary priority is to ensure that citizens receive free and quality medical treatment. He assured that any existing shortages in infrastructure, facilities, or manpower would be addressed and that the necessary assistance would be provided.
Khader highlighted that improving the overall functioning of government hospitals is one of his key priorities. Reflecting on a night visit he paid to a government hospital after taking charge as health minister, he explained that late-hour visits provide a true picture of how these institutions run. He urged senior health officials, and not just the minister, to conduct regular inspections to ensure hospitals serve the public effectively.
