Compulsory rural service for docs awaits Prez nod

A legislation that makes it mandatory for doctors to serve in rural areas has been sent for the President’s consent, said Health Minister Aravinda Limbavali.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the district hospital here on Thursday, he said one batch of doctors completes the course in January and to some extent, this will address the problem of shortage of doctors.

One round of talks has already been held with various associations of the health department employees in Belgaum and a few of their demands have been met, he said.

However, to look into their other demands, the chief minister has set up a committee with the health minister as the committee head, he said.

Other committee members are ministers R Ashoka, S Suresh Kumar and Ramdas.