Rural service or penalty in 15-25 lakhs for doctors, President approves petition
After the news of the exit exam, yet another obligation has befallen the fate of doctors. President Pranab Mukherjee has approved the state government’s proposal to penalise doctors who refuse to work in rural areas.
Approval comes after four years
The President approved Karnataka Compulsory Service Training by Candidates Medical Courses Bill, 2012 on Wednesday. This act makes one year of rural service compulsory for doctors. Compulsory rural service is applicable to all quotas of medical seats, including NRI and management.
Law comes as a rescue, shortage of doctors in rural areas
Sharan Prakash Patil, Minister of State for Medical Education said the government would be taking necessary steps to implement the new legislation.
Karnataka faces a shortage of doctors in the government hospitals in rural areas and it is hoped that the new law helps eradicate the problem, said Prakash Patil. Considering that about 5,000 undergraduates and postgraduates pass out every year, one year of compulsory service might resolve the issue and ensure that all primary health centres and district hospitals have enough doctors.
Act applies to MBBS, PG diploma, PG doctors and states that,
1. Doctors should serve in rural areas for a year
2. A monthly stipend will be given
3. One year of rural service will make them eligible for permanent registration under the 4. 4. Karnataka Medical Registration Act, 1961, or the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.
Failure to commit to rural service results in heavy penalty
• Penalty for MBBS doctors is Rs.15 lakh
• PG diploma will be fined Rs.20 lakh
• And Rs.25 lakh for PG doctors
The minister said, “Those who refuse to do rural service will not get their degree certificate. Besides, penalty will be imposed on them,”
“If a MBBS doctor wants to pursue a postgraduate course in the State, she/he need not do rural service. But the student has to do the rural service after the completion of PG course”
