JOIN USReappointment of Ayush doctors on the cards
Minister for Health and Family Welfare U T Khader has made it clear that service of Ayurvedic, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (Ayush) doctors who were appointed under National Rural Health Mission cannot be regularised. However, he promised of better salary for the 650 Ayush doctors who are working since 2006 through reappointment as per the promise of the Centre.
Briefing reporters at Circuit House on Friday, he said National Health Mission Director from Karnataka had written a letter to the Union health ministry requesting 10 per cent hike in the salary of the Ayush doctors, which is Rs 28,000, on November 5, 2014. Just three to four months ago, the Union government has approved to increase the salary by five per cent (Rs 25,000) only if the State re-advertises for the posts.
Process by August 15
“The Ayush doctors have agreed to apply again. Revaluation of the existing doctors will be done through District Health Officers (DHOs). After re-advertisement with new salary structure (Rs 25,000 per month), first preference would be given to them with few rules. Discussion is going about 67 doctors who were working for MBBS doctors. They may be retained by establishing Ayush units in PHCs. For MBBS doctors, to avoid salary discrimination, the government is thinking about bringing them under the Health department from the NRHM,” he said.
Regularisation of the Ayush doctors is impossible as there are no posts at all. They are working on contract basis, he added.
‘Selfies won’t fill stomach’
Khader said the Centre has cut grants by Rs 125 crore for the health department of the State. Usually every year health section gets 10 per cent hike, but this new trend is not good for healthy society. Selfies with children don’t fill their stomach or provide shelter. One can not avoid death of infants or mother with selfies. The State will write a letter to the Centre in this regard. Meanwhile, he hinted that Centre would sanction a 50-bedded Ayush hospital to Mangaluru.
The minister said Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has issued notification of 381 MBBS doctors, 963 PG holders and 87 dental degree holders.
Karnataka is paying highest salary to the government doctors in the country (Rs 60,000 for MBBS doctors). The government also released Rs 187 crore to pay stipend during the one-year mandatory service in rural hospitals.
Ullal issue
The minister, also MLA from Ullal said 11 cases have been registered from past four months, but miscreants are not found. Direction has been given to the police commissioner and other officials to give prominence to find out miscreants who are trying to disturb peace. Police have formed a special squad to catch the miscreants. They are trying their level best, but public and elected representatives should cooperate with them. No one should think of using the issue for political mileage. It would help anti-social elements, he said.
“I won’t bother about their protest. In fact, their protest itself developed me as a leader. I value each person of my constituency. People of every community approach me and share their problems. If they complain against me, I will take it seriously,” he added.