900 vacant doctor posts in Karnataka likely to be filled soon

Hubballi, 

The State government's decision to fill vacant doctor posts in government hospitals has been welcomed by the public, who have long been facing challenges due to a shortage of medical professionals in healthcare facilities. Health Minister U.T. Khader has announced a special recruitment drive to fill 900 vacant MBBS doctor posts across Karnataka. The appointments will be made through direct interviews, with selected candidates receiving a monthly salary of Rs 60,000.

District Health Officers have been directed to conduct the recruitment process and issue appointment letters within a week of selection. The move is expected to provide significant relief to patients in Dharwad district, where government healthcare institutions, particularly Karnataka Medical College (KMC) Hospital and the District Hospital, are under considerable pressure. Apart from local residents, patients from neighbouring districts also depend on these hospitals for treatment.

Healthcare experts believe that filling vacancies in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and other government hospitals will improve access to medical services at the grassroots level and reduce the patient burden on tertiary-care institutions. At present, many people are compelled to seek treatment in private hospitals due to the non-availability of doctors at government health centres. According to official data, Dharwad district has 32 Primary Health Centres, of which five doctor posts are currently vacant.

In addition, one doctor post remains vacant among the 11 urban health facilities in the district. Overall, six doctor positions are vacant and are expected to be filled soon. However, health care observers point out that recruitment of doctors alone may not be sufficient. Shortages of nursing staff and other healthcare personnel also need to be addressed. Ensuring an adequate supply of medicines and essential medical equipment in government hospitals is equally important.

They note that patients will continue to face difficulties if they are forced to purchase prescribed medicines from private pharmacies. The public has high expectations from the new Health Minister, particularly as poor and middle-class families largely depend on government health care services. With the monsoon season setting in and the likelihood of an increase in communicable diseases, strengthening the healthcare system has become even more critical.

District Health Officer Dr. Parashuram F.K. said six key health-related posts are currently vacant in Dharwad district and steps will be taken to fill them at the earliest in accordance with the directions of the Health Minister. "We will discuss the issue with the Deputy Commissioner and initiate the recruitment process. Adequate stocks of medicines and essential supplies will be maintained in healthcare facilities, and awareness programmes on communicable diseases will also be conducted," he said.