Home / Health / Karnataka Health Minister Tackles Doctor Shortage
Karnataka Health Minister Tackles Doctor Shortage
5 Jun
Summary
- New minister inspected Jayanagar General Hospital at 1 AM.
- Urgent recruitment drive for doctors to fill vacancies.
- Private hospitals warned against overcharging patients.
On his first day in office, Karnataka's Health Minister U.T. Khader initiated reforms with a surprise early morning inspection of Jayanagar General Hospital in Bengaluru. The minister's unannounced visit around 1 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, revealed concerning issues, including a pregnant woman seated on the floor and absent night-shift doctors.
In response to these findings and to address a critical shortage of medical professionals, Minister Khader directed health officials to launch an immediate recruitment drive. This initiative aims to fill vacancies in government hospitals statewide, with eligible MBBS graduates being offered direct application and interviews, promising appointments within a week at a monthly remuneration of ₹60,000.
Furthermore, the minister reviewed the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka health insurance scheme. He emphasized strict monitoring of empanelled private hospitals, issuing a stern warning against any institutions found charging beneficiaries beyond prescribed rates. Citizens are encouraged to report such exploitative practices to district health authorities, ensuring transparent and fair healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
