Karnataka to Hire Contract Doctors to Address Shortage of 900 MBBS Professionals

State Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader announced in Mangaluru on Sunday that Karnataka is currently facing a shortage of 900 MBBS doctors. Speaking during his first visit to Dakshina Kannada district after assuming office, the minister unveiled a simplified recruitment process to quickly fill the vacant positions on a contract basis.

Under the newly simplified system, MBBS graduates who are willing to serve on contract can directly approach their respective District Health Officer (DHO). Once the application is received, the appointment proposals will be forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner, with final appointment orders expected to be issued within a week.

Minister Khader issued a stern warning to local health administration officials regarding any delays in this recruitment process. He stated that if any DHO fails to act on the contract applications, strict action, including suspension, will be taken against them. Doctors hired under this contract system will receive a monthly salary of Rs 60,000.

The minister also addressed the ongoing partnerships between government hospitals and private medical colleges. He defended these collaborations, stating they would strengthen healthcare services. He emphasized that the government's priority is to ensure that people receive free and quality treatment, promising that any shortage in facilities or manpower would be addressed with necessary assistance.

Improving the functioning of government hospitals remains one of Khader's key priorities. Reflecting on a night visit he made to a government hospital after taking charge, the minister highlighted the importance of unscheduled checks. He remarked that visiting hospitals during late hours provides a realistic picture of their operations, adding that senior health officials must also conduct regular surprise inspections to ensure hospitals serve the public effectively.