Bengaluru, August 8, 2025: A substantial effort to bolster the healthcare system within Karnataka has been declared by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. His statement reveals that each taluk hospital throughout the state is to be equipped with a minimum of two gynaecologists, supplemented by anaesthesiologists and paediatricians. This strategic move comes as a response to a transparently implemented counselling-based relocation process that has not occurred for the past eight years. The main objective of this initiative is to tackle the severe shortages of medical personnel in rural healthcare institutions.
Strengthening Taluk Hospitals
Speaking at Arogya Soudha, Bengaluru, Rao highlighted the importance of critical staff placements in taluk hospitals to boost maternal and child healthcare services. He stressed that their transfer strategy is focused on ensuring that each of these healthcare facilities has a minimum of one gynaecologist, one anaesthetist, and one paediatrician. Furthermore, Rao revealed plans to increase the number of gynaecologists to two per hospital, with the necessary approvals to be pursued in the upcoming cabinet meeting. This move is aimed at significantly enhancing the quality and availability of medical care for mothers and children in these regions.
The transfer period, which spanned from June 19 to July 3, involved a significant relocation of 5,676 individuals from the health department to different work areas. This number was distributed among various employee groups with 21 from Group A, 15 from Group B, a substantial 4,046 from Group C, and 680 from Group D. Additionally, the AYUSH department underwent a similar restructuring, where 235 members of staff were reassigned to new positions. This breakdown included 131 from Group A, 9 from Group B, 62 from Group C, and 33 from Group D. Furthermore, the Food and Safety Department experienced a smaller yet notable shift, with 45 employees moving across their respective groups during this timeframe.
To address the doctor shortage, the state intends to bring in MBBS and MD graduates from government-run medical institutions. Rao has highlighted a deficit of 2,000 MBBS physicians and 185 specialized doctors, which they aim to fill with the help of contractual hiring as needed. He further stated that through this recruitment process, they have managed to fill staffing vacancies, guaranteeing round-the-clock doctor availability in taluk hospitals.
Transparent Transfers After Eight Years
The counselling-based transfer system, required by legislation from 2011 but not put into practice until recently, was praised for its transparency and its intentions to reduce corruption and nepotism. Rao emphasized that the system prioritizes rural service, with plans to assign 12 additional naturopathy and yoga medical officers to the AYUSH department in supernumerary positions, ensuring these professionals complete their mandatory service in rural areas.
Additionally, Rao addressed the concerns of ASHA workers, confirming that they will receive a monthly incentive of 10,000 Indian rupees. This amount includes a state contribution of 5,000 rupees, with the central government agreeing to increase its part in a 60:40 proportion. As a result, ASHA workers' earnings will range from 12,000 to 13,000 rupees per month, factoring in task-based incentives. He assured that there is no cause for protests and instructed officials to clearly convey this information to the ASHA workers. Rao reaffirmed the government's dedication to enhancing healthcare access in rural regions, with taluk hospitals playing a pivotal role in this endeavor.
Keywords: Karnataka healthcare, taluk hospitals, doctor transfers, gynaecologists, anaesthetists, paediatricians, Dinesh Gundu Rao, transparent counselling, rural healthcare, ASHA workers, health department, specialist doctors, Arogya Soudha