Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Feb 27: Alleging serious negligence in the state’s healthcare administration, the Dakshina Kannada unit of the Karnataka State Government Medical Officers’ Association has raised concerns over lack of medicines in government hospitals, delayed salaries, and outdated service rules.
Addressing a press conference at the Mangaluru Press Club, unit president Dr Deepak Rai said the situation has deteriorated to the extent that doctors are being forced to fight for their basic rights. He stated that when medical professionals who are responsible for saving lives are compelled to protest, it reflects poorly on the state’s health system.
Dr Rai criticized the government for continuing recruitment and cadre rules that date back to 1973, pointing out that no promotions have been granted to doctors in the past five years. He termed the delay unjust and demoralizing for medical officers serving in government hospitals.
The association also highlighted irregular supply of essential medicines to hospitals, questioning how quality healthcare can be delivered without adequate resources. It further alleged that nearly 6,000 employees working under centrally sponsored schemes are receiving salaries only once in four months, causing financial hardship.
Among the key demands placed before the government are the immediate halt of transfers allegedly carried out in the name of counselling, removal of pay disparities through implementation of CGHS-equivalent pay scales on par with the medical education department, filling up of thousands of vacant posts to reduce workload pressure, and ensuring job security for NHM contract employees.
Warning of intensified protests if their demands are not addressed, the association said it would be compelled to launch a strong agitation across the district if the government continues to remain unresponsive.
Association secretary Dr Akshatha, vice presidents Dr Sharath Babu and Dr Rajesh, treasurer Dr Tufail, All Health Department Cadres Dakshina Kannada unit president Mahalakshmi, and secretary Yogesh were present at the press conference.