Karnataka to offer permanent jobs to contract doctors completing five years of service
In Bengaluru, Health Minister UT Khader announced on Wednesday that the Karnataka government plans to offer permanent employment to contract doctors who complete five years of satisfactory service. The initiative aims to address a severe shortage of medical personnel in public health facilities across the state.
According to Khader, the state currently faces a significant deficit of medical professionals, with 1,290 MBBS doctor posts and more than 924 specialist vacancies requiring postgraduate qualifications remaining unfilled. The proposed measure is designed to provide job security to young doctors and incentivize them to work in the public sector.
Under the new action plan, 200 posts will be filled through direct recruitment, while the remaining 1,000 will be filled on a contractual basis. Khader noted that young doctors are often reluctant to accept contract positions because of concerns regarding job security.
To streamline the hiring process, the government plans to implement walk-in style recruitment. Candidates who have completed their MBBS or postgraduate studies can apply directly through their district health officer. Upon consultation with the deputy commissioner and receiving approval, candidates will receive their appointment orders within a week.
The monthly salary for MBBS graduates under this scheme will be Rs 60,000, while specialists will be paid Rs 1.1 lakh. Additionally, those who volunteer to serve in rural areas, border districts, tribal regions, or forest areas will receive an incentive of around Rs 15,000 on top of their regular salary.
MBBS doctors who complete the five years of service will also be given the opportunity to pursue postgraduate degrees, provided they select specialities required by the health department.
To further mitigate the staff shortage, the department plans to recruit physically and mentally fit retired doctors in the 60 to 70 age group on a contract basis in the initial phase.
The health department also plans to set up four advisory committees: the State Vision Committee, the Mental Health Committee, the Cochlear Implant Committee, and the Oral Health Committee. These bodies will serve as a bridge between citizens and the department to guide targeted interventions.
