Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader has announced that all vacant positions of MBBS doctors in the state will be filled by recruiting on a contract basis. The decision aims to address the shortage of medical professionals in government healthcare facilities across Karnataka.
Contract Recruitment to Tackle Shortage
Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, Khader emphasized that the state government is committed to ensuring adequate medical staff in public hospitals. He stated that the contract-based recruitment process would be expedited to fill the vacancies at the earliest. The minister also directed health officials to prepare a comprehensive list of vacant posts in all districts.
Regular Inspections Urged
Khader stressed that surprise inspections should not be limited to ministers alone. He called upon District Health Officers (DHOs) and Taluk Health Officers to conduct regular inspections of healthcare facilities under their jurisdiction. "It is not the minister alone who should pay surprise visits; even DHOs and taluk health officers should also conduct regular inspections," he said, adding that such oversight would improve accountability and service delivery.
The minister also reviewed the progress of various health schemes and infrastructure projects in the region. He instructed officials to ensure the availability of essential medicines and equipment in all primary health centers and community health centers. The contract-based recruitment is expected to be a temporary measure until permanent posts are filled through the Karnataka Public Service Commission.
This move comes amid growing concerns over the shortage of doctors in rural and underserved areas. The state government has been taking multiple steps to strengthen the public health system, including upgrading facilities and incentivizing medical professionals to serve in remote locations.
