Over 14,000 vacancies in K'taka Health Dept

Bangalore, Apr 2 (UNI) As many as 14,720 posts remained vacant in the Karnataka Health department, Health Minister R Ashok informed the Legislative Council today.

Replying to a query from BJP member Vimala Gowda during question hour, he said steps were being taken to fill the vacant posts, including that of Group A to D.

Mr Ashok said that in a special drive, the State Government had recruited 250 doctors and got approval from the State Finance department to appoint another 250 doctors.

He said the Government had taken punitive measures against the doctors not working in rural places and 70 of them were facing disciplinary action. The State Government was contemplating to bring in a Bill to make rural service mandatory for doctors, he added.

To another question from Mr Marthibbe Gowda (Independent), the Minister said the post of Health and Family Welfare Director had remained vacant since 2004 for want of suitable candidate. The post would be filled up when an eligible candidate was found.

UNI