K’taka faces shortage of 900 MBBS doctors: Minister

Mangaluru: Health and family welfare minister UT Khader Sunday said Karnataka is currently facing a shortage of 900 MBBS doctors and announced a simplified recruitment process to fill vacancies on contract.Speaking during his first visit to Dakshina Kannada district after assuming office as minister, Khader said MBBS graduates willing to serve on contract can approach the respective District Health Officer (DHO), following which appointment proposals will be forwarded to the DC and appointment orders issued within a week."If any DHO fails to act on such applications, strict action, including suspension, will be taken. Contract doctors will receive a monthly salary of Rs 60,000," he said.Addressing concerns over partnerships between govt hospitals and private medical colleges, the minister said such collaborations would only strengthen healthcare services "Our priority is that people receive free and quality treatment. Any shortage in facilities or manpower will be addressed and necessary assistance provided," he said.Khader said improving the functioning of govt hospitals would be one of his key priorities. On visiting a govt hospital in the night after taking charge as health minister, Khader said, "When we visit hospitals, especially during late hours, we get a real picture. It is not the minister alone who should pay surprise visits, even senior health officials must conduct regular inspections and ensure hospitals serve the people effectively," he said.