Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 10: In a significant decision aimed at addressing the shortage of highly qualified medical professionals, the Karnataka state cabinet has approved the extension of the retirement age for permanent super-specialty doctors from 60 to 65 years. The decision was taken during the cabinet meeting held at Vidhana Soudha on Friday, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil stated that the decision was necessitated due to the acute shortage of super-specialty doctors in the state. Karnataka has around 500 sanctioned posts for such doctors, of which only 250 are currently filled. Of these, 50 doctors are nearing retirement. With the possibility of these posts falling vacant, the government has opted to extend the retirement age to retain experienced medical professionals.

Rural service relaxation deferred:

The cabinet also discussed the mandatory rural service requirement for MBBS graduates. A proposal to ease this rule by allowing medical graduates to serve in urban areas was discussed, but a final decision was deferred. It was informed that the Health Minister and the Medical Education Minister will hold further discussions and bring the matter back to the cabinet for approval.

Approximately 7,000 MBBS students graduate in Karnataka each year. However, there are only around 1,500 posts available in rural areas. This mismatch has led to growing demand for policy changes to permit urban postings as part of mandatory service. Though the cabinet acknowledged the issue, it stated that further deliberations are necessary before implementing any change.