Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Nov 25: "The health department will sort out the scarcity of doctors in government hospitals by recruiting retired doctors and also extend the retirement age from 60 to 65 years," said health minister U T Khadar.

He was addressing a press meet in circuit house here on Monday, November 24.

He informed that the health department has received many applications by retired doctors who were willing to continue serving patients. Senior retired doctors who were willing to continue their service will be appointed in government hospitals.

"The health department needs specialists like gynaecologists, anaesthesiologists, general surgeons, paediatricians and physicians. According to the government scheme, the experts will be paid on case basis," he added.

"Gynaecologists, anaesthesiologists and paediatricians will be appointed on contract basis with a honorarium of Rs 50,000 (per month/full time). Doctors will also be appointed on retainer basis where they will work part time for Rs 5,000 and gynaecologists will be given Rs 1,500, anaesthesiologists Rs 1,000 and paediatricians Rs 500 per patient," he informed.

Retired doctors who wish to work in government hospitals can give their written application to deputy commissioner of a particular district.

He also said, “The government will provide 198 ambulances to offer service to people. Out of them, 98 ambulances will be provided by state. As many as 100 ambulances were offered from the former union government. Our district will get 10 ambulances for places like Talapady, Pumpwell, Mudipu, Natekal, Farangipet, Mani, Siddakatte, Haleangady, Kumbra, and Sampaje. Udupi district will get ambulances for Brahmavar, Byndoor, Hebri, Belman and Kaup."

On Kambala:

Speaking on the Kambala ban issue, he said, "There is no question of stopping the Kambala. The union government should convince the Supreme Court."