Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader announced on Saturday that the state government will implement a salary hike and special allowance for doctors serving in border and remote areas. The move aims to attract and retain medical professionals in underserved regions, addressing chronic shortages in rural healthcare.
Details of the salary hike and allowance
Speaking to reporters in Shivamogga, Khader said the revised pay structure would be finalized soon after consultations with the finance department. Doctors in border talukas and remote primary health centers will receive an additional allowance on top of their basic salary. The minister did not specify the exact percentage increase but assured that it would be competitive to incentivize postings in difficult terrains.
According to sources in the health department, the allowance could range from 20% to 30% of the basic pay, depending on the location's remoteness. The move is part of a broader strategy to reduce the doctor-to-patient ratio in rural Karnataka, which currently stands at 1:1,800 against the WHO norm of 1:1,000.
New district hospital for Shivamogga
Khader also revealed that the District McGann General Hospital in Shivamogga has been handed over to the Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS). Consequently, plans are underway to construct a new district hospital in the city to serve the local population. The existing facility will be upgraded as a teaching hospital for SIMS.
“The handover will enhance clinical training for medical students while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services. A new district hospital will be built at a cost of Rs 150 crore, with modern facilities and 500 beds,” Khader said. The project is expected to be completed within three years.
Impact on healthcare access
The salary hike is expected to benefit over 2,000 doctors currently posted in border and remote areas, including regions along the Kerala and Maharashtra borders. These areas often face severe weather conditions and lack basic amenities, deterring doctors from accepting postings. The allowance is designed to compensate for these hardships.
Healthcare activists welcomed the announcement but cautioned that implementation must be monitored. “A salary hike alone won't solve the problem. We need better infrastructure, housing, and security for doctors in remote areas,” said Dr. Naveen Kumar, a public health expert based in Bengaluru.
Government's broader healthcare push
The announcement comes ahead of the state budget, with the health sector expected to receive a significant allocation. The government has also launched a telemedicine network to connect remote clinics with specialists in district hospitals. Khader emphasized that the salary hike is part of a comprehensive plan to strengthen primary healthcare.
“We are committed to providing quality healthcare to every citizen, irrespective of their location. This initiative will ensure that no village is left without a doctor,” he added.
