Bengaluru: Doctors serving on a contractual basis in government health institutions may soon be offered permanent appointments after completing five years of satisfactory service, Health Minister UT Khader said on Wednesday. The proposal comes amid a severe shortage of medical personnel, with 1,290 MBBS doctor posts and more than 924 specialist vacancies requiring postgraduate qualifications remaining unfilled. Once approved by the government, the measure is expected to provide young doctors with greater job security and serve as an incentive to work in public health facilities.
Direct Recruitment and Contractual Absorption
Khader stated that 200 posts will be filled through direct recruitment, while the remaining 1,000 will be filled on a contractual basis. He highlighted that young doctors are reluctant to take up contract jobs due to concerns over job security. To address this, the government is proposing that they be absorbed into the permanent workforce after five years of satisfactory service.
Application Process and Salaries
Doctors who have completed MBBS or postgraduate studies can apply through the district health officer (DHO) via a walk-in interview process. After consultation with the deputy commissioner and approval, they will receive their appointment order within a week. MBBS graduates will receive a monthly salary of Rs 60,000, while specialists will be paid Rs 1.1 lakh. Additionally, MBBS doctors who complete five years of service will be given an opportunity to pursue postgraduate degrees, provided they choose specializations required by the health department.
Incentives for Rural Service
Doctors who volunteer to serve in rural areas, including border districts, tribal regions, and forest areas, will receive an additional incentive of around Rs 15,000 over and above their salary. To further address staff shortages in rural areas, the department also plans to recruit retired doctors who are physically and mentally fit. In the initial phase, the department aims to recruit doctors in the 60–70 age group on a contract basis.
Advisory Committees
The department will also constitute four advisory committees: the State Vision Committee, Mental Health Committee, Cochlear Implant Committee, and Oral Health Committee. These committees will focus on targeted interventions and serve as a bridge between citizens and the department, Khader explained.
Key Highlights
- 1,290 MBBS posts and 924 specialist vacancies currently unfilled.
- Contract doctors may be absorbed into permanent government service after satisfactory performance.
- Doctors can apply through DHOs and get appointment orders within a week.
- MBBS doctors will be paid Rs 60,000 per month, while specialists will receive Rs 1.1 lakh.
- An additional Rs 15,000 will be provided as an incentive for rural service.
