Mangaluru: 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Officers’ Association has raised concerns over shortage of medicines in government hospitals, delayed salaries and outdated service rules. The issues were highlighted during a press conference held at the Mangaluru Press Club on Thursday.
Addressing media persons, unit president Dr Deepak Rai said the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that doctors are being forced to fight for their basic rights. “When medical professionals who are responsible for saving lives are compelled to protest for their own entitlements, it reflects poorly on the State’s health system,” he said.
Outdated rules and stalled promotions
Dr Rai criticised the government for continuing with recruitment and cadre rules that date back to 1973. He pointed out that no promotions have been granted to government doctors in the past five years, despite many being eligible.
Terming the delay unjust and demoralising, he said medical officers serving in government hospitals across the district are experiencing stagnation in their careers. “Promotions are not merely about pay hikes; they recognise experience and responsibility. Denying this for years affects morale and efficiency,” he added.
The association alleged that the outdated service structure does not reflect present-day healthcare demands and needs urgent revision.
Shortage of medicines and resources
The association also highlighted irregular supply of essential medicines to government hospitals. It questioned how quality healthcare services could be delivered without adequate stock of life-saving drugs and basic medical supplies.
Doctors claimed that patients, particularly those from economically weaker sections who depend on government hospitals, are the worst affected. They argued that the shortage of medicines undermines public confidence in the healthcare system.
Salary delays under central schemes
Another major concern raised by the association pertains to delayed salaries for staff working under centrally sponsored schemes. According to the association, nearly 6,000 employees are reportedly receiving their salaries only once in four months.
The delay, they said, has caused significant financial hardship to employees and their families. The association termed the situation unacceptable and urged the government to ensure timely disbursal of wages.
Key demands placed before government
The association placed several demands before the State government. These include:
- Immediate halt to transfers allegedly being carried out in the name of counselling
- Removal of pay disparities by implementing CGHS-equivalent pay scales on par with the medical education department
- Filling up thousands of vacant posts to reduce workload pressure on existing staff
- Ensuring job security for National Health Mission (NHM) contract employees
Doctors said that staff shortages have increased workload and stress levels, affecting service delivery in hospitals.
Warning of intensified protest
Warning of intensified agitation if their demands are not addressed, the association stated that it would be compelled to launch a district-wide protest if the government continues to remain unresponsive.
The office-bearers present at the press conference included 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.
The association urged the government to initiate immediate dialogue and corrective measures to strengthen the public healthcare system and safeguard the interests of medical professionals.