JOIN USHealth and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader on Sunday said there was no shortage of doctors at any primary health centres (PHCs) and hospitals in the district, barring four PHCs.
Speaking to media persons here, the minister said the doctors were recruited to hospitals on the basis of the number of beds at the hospital, earlier. Now, in a changed scenario, recruitments are made on the basis of patients’ footfall and work pressure, he added.
Out of 135 PHCs in the district, 131 PHCs have sufficient number of doctors. The second phase of recruitments will be done soon, he added.
If the appointments through Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) is delayed, the Deputy Commissioners and the District Health Officers will be vested with powers to take a call on recruiting the candidates. The successful candidates would be paid a salary of Rs 42,000. The vacant posts of specialists will also be filled soon, he explained.
Arogya Kavacha
Commenting on the statewide protest of 108 Arogya Kavacha ambulance service employees, Khader said their demands had already been fulfilled. It would become inevitable to make alternative arrangements, if they continue with their stir. The government will not succumb to such pressure tactics, he said.
The minister said, “I have already directed GVK organisation, the service provider, to resume services at the earliest.” Khader appealed to elected representatives to extend their cooperation in solving the issues related to the Health Department. If the elected representatives regularly visit hospitals, it will help solve the problems, he said.