Bengaluru: Doctors serving on a contractual basis in govt health institutions may soon be offered permanent appointments after completing five years of satisfactory service, health minister UT Khader said Wednesday.The proposal comes amid a 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 govt, the measure is expected to provide young doctors with greater job security and serve as an incentive to work in public health facilities.Khader said 200 posts will be filled through direct recruitment, while the remaining 1,000 on contractual basis. “Young doctors are reluctant to take up contract jobs because of concerns over job security. To address this, we are proposing that they be absorbed into our permanent workforce,” he said while discussing the action plan to address shortage of doctors.On the lines of a walk-in interview, doctors who have completed MBBS or postgraduate studies can apply through the district health officer (DHO). “After consultation with the deputy commissioner and approval, they will receive their appointment order within a week,” he said, adding that MBBS graduates will receive a salary of monthly salary of Rs 60,000, while specialists will be paid Rs 1.1 lakh.MBBS doctors who complete five years of service will be given an opportunity to pursue postgraduate degrees, provided they choose specialisations required by the health department.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 address the issue of staff shortage in rural areas, the department also plans to recruit retired doctors, who are physically and mentally fit. “In the initial phase, we want to recruit doctors in the 60–70 age group on a contract basis,” he said.The department will also constitute four advisory committees — the State Vision Committee, Mental Health Committee, Cochlear Implant Committee, and Oral Health Committee — to focus on targeted interventions in these areas. “These will act as advisory committees and serve as a bridge between citizens and the department,” Khader said.GFX Rs 15k extra for rural service1,290 MBBS posts and 924 specialist vacancies currently unfilled. Contract docs may be absorbed into permanent govt service after satisfactory performanceDocs can apply through DHOs and get appointment orders within a weekMBBS docs will be paid Rs 60k a month while specialists Rs 1.1 lakh Rs 15,000 will be extra incentive for rural service
