Out of 11, only 5 docs join for duty in Kodagu

Only 8 specialists are serving in district, while the sanctioned posts are 27

 The remaining six doctors should have been joined the duty by the end of August. As the last date for joining the duty has ended, chances of them joining is meagre.

Of the five doctors who have joined the duty, two have been deputed to Suntikoppa Primary Health Centre, one each at Hudikeri, Kannangal, and Bhagamandala Primary Health Centre respectively. Two doctors who got transferred to the district have been deputed to Napoklu and Hudikeri Primary Health Centres. With this, the people of Napoklu who have been protesting for the appointment of doctors can heave a sigh of relief.

The primary health centres Cherambane, Aloor, Siddapura, Kallalla mobile unit face severe shortage of doctors. Napoklu Primary Health Centre requires the service another doctor as well.

Shortage of specialists

The district has severe shortage of specialists. In the backdrop of failure of the specialists to join the duty in the district, MBBS doctors have been deployed in several community health centres.

The sanctioned posts of specialists to the district is 27. Of which, only eight specialists are serving the district. The remaining 19 posts are vacant. In place of specialists, seven MBBS doctors have been deployed in the district. Though the district administration has written letter to the government demanding the filling of specialised doctors vacancy, all efforts are in vain. In fact, Zilla Panchayat CEO had written a letter to the Regional Commissioner in this regard recently. Though Kodagu district is small district, there is a need to improve the health system in the rural areas.

The less salary being paid to the doctors by the government, lack of private nursing homes may be the reason for the doctors not serving in Kodagu district.  In the meantime, the government is getting ready to conduct counselling to the waiting list candidates to fill the vacancies. The district health and family welfare department is expecting the doctors atleast after the counselling is complete.