Sirsi, Apr 17 (PTI): Karnataka requires about 800 specialist doctors to address the medical needs of its people, Health Minister Sriramulu said here today.

Inaugurating the Vajapyee Arogyahsree district level free health check up camp, he said the rules had been modified to enable direct appointment of specialists. "The state will soon appoint 500 specialists," he said.

Admitting that Karnataka faces a shortage of medical and para medical staff, he claimed that 1300 doctors and 5000 para medical staff had been appointed since he assumed office.

He said around 8200 primary units, 2500 PHC, 180 community health center, 146 taluka hospitals and 30 district hospitals are working to ensure treatment for the poor.

Acknowledging the role of ASHA(Accredited Social Health Activist) workers in the rural health service programme, he said their demand for monthly salary would be discussed.

He said the 108 arogya Kavach workers or emergency medical aid workers had helped about three crore people and saved 1.5 crore lives.

Uttara Kannada District MP Annatkumar Hegde raised the Kaiga nuclear plant radiation issue which he said was creating problems for people surrounding villages of Kaiga.He said the district commissioner would soon submit a report on the issue and addded that he would visit the places along with District in charge minister, if needed.