Belgaum: New course to train students in rural health service - U T Khadar
Daijiworld Media Network – Belgaum
Belgaum, Nov 26: As MBBS graduates have been forgoing rural health service, preferring to pay penalty instead, the health ministry has decided to introduce the central government's three-year BSc community health service training course across the state for students who have completed PUC, said heath minister U T Khadar.
Answering a question raised by BJP MLC Dr A H Shivayogiswami, Khadar said by offering community health service course, the government can provide primary health service to people living in rural areas.
The union cabinet in its meeting held on November 13 had approved the introduction of a three-year BSc course which would train students in district hospitals and post them in primary health centres. Those holding this degree would be able to diagnose and handle basic medical cases.
"MBBS graduates who obtain seats under government quota later decline from serving in rural areas by paying penalty. In this regard, a new law will be enforced, for which the President’s nod is required. Hence, I will soon meet the President and request him to accept the proposal," he said.
The government has also decided to increase the penalty for forgoing rural service from Rs one lac to Rs 10 lac, he said.
As many as 1,654 MBBS students had accepted rural service but only 284 took it up. A fine of Rs 11.59 crore has been collected from the 1,159 doctors who declined from undertaking rural service, he said, adding that notice has been issued to remaining 211 graduates.
Goonda Act against people misusing Anna Bhagya
Discussions will be held with chief minister Siddaramaih to invoke Goonda Act against people who support and are involved in selling the rice supplied under Anna Bhagya scheme, said food and civil supplies minister Dinesh Gundurao.
Replying to a question raised by MLC Raghunath Rao from BJP, he said the government has already taken enough measures to stop selling of rice in the black market.