State to consider more incentives for doctors serving in remote areas

Mangaluru: Health and family welfare minister UT Khader said the govt will explore a range of measures to attract and retain doctors in govt hospitals, with a special focus on rural, tribal and hilly areas. “We will consider offering additional incentives to doctors who choose to serve in remote areas. A decision will be taken after holding discussions with chief minister DK Shivakumar,he said.

At a review meeting with health officials and doctors held at the deputy commissioner’s office on Monday, the minister said the govt will look into the possibility of regularising the services of doctors who have been serving on a contract basis for three years. Doctors serving on contract basis at the meeting suggested that increasing the monthly salary from Rs 60,000 to Rs 75,000, along with opportunities for postgraduate studies under the state-sponsored in-service quota and the award of grace marks for rural service. Reproductive and child health (RCH) officer Dr Rajesh stated that retired doctors are willing to serve in rural Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Sullia, Puttur and Belthangady, if suitable opportunities are provided.

The minister directed all taluk health officers (THOs) to regularly visit PHCs under their jurisdiction and establish better coordination with local clubs , gram panchayat representatives, community organisations. He said such interactions would create a better bond between health department and locals. THOs, during the visits should also encourage youth organisations to organise blood donation drives and eye-check-up camps with support from the health and family welfare department. To improve performance, Khader proposed instituting a ‘Best THO Award’ to recognise outstanding works. He directed the DHO to examine the feasibility of THOs serving in PHCs for at least 15 days every month.

Meanwhile, a doctor serving under the compulsory rural service programme raised concerns regarding salary reductions. She said that at the time of signing the contract, she was promised a monthly salary of Rs 75,000, but the amount was reduced to Rs 60,000 after two months. Further the requests for two months of leave to prepare for the Postgraduate National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (PG-NEET) scheduled in Aug had been rejected. Doctors who discontinue service before completing the mandatory term face penalties ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. In response, minister Khader assured the doctors that their demands and grievances would be examined.

DHO Dr HR Thimmaiah said there are 22 vacancies for staff nurses under the National Health Mission (NHM) at Lady Goschen Hospital and 10 vacancies at Wenlock District Hospital. The shortage was attributed to the low monthly salary of Rs 17,000.