668 Doctors in Karnataka likely to lose license

Health Secretary has roped in the State Medical Council, asking it to send notices to the doctors as to why their registrations should not be cancelled.

BENGALURU: Almost 668 medical practitioners  including 661 specialist doctors and 27 MBBS doctors received a legal notice from the Karnataka Health Department for skipping the mandatory one year government service in the state. The state government is all set to initiate legal action against these doctors  which may include cancellation of their registrations.

It is reported that these doctors signed a bond agreement during the initiation of their study at respective government medical colleges of the state, promising to serve one year compulsory government service at the end of their studies. Failure of the same would attract a penalty of Rs 10 lakhs as per the agreement. Now, With the non-compliance of the agreement, the the health minister has directed Karnataka medical Council to initiate disciplinary action against them for violating code of medical ethics

"The candidates in the list have neither paid penalty nor have rendered government service despite several notices. The notices have fallen into dead ears. Hence while legal action is being initiated by department against defaulters, simultaneous disciplinary action may make these specialists come and serve in primary health centres, community health centre and fulfill their written commitment" said Shalini Rajneesh told TOI.

The State Department of Health and Family Welfare has prepared the first list of doctors who are practicing at various hospitals and also as private practitioners reports Indian Express.

Shocking figures have come across in relation to the mandatory rural service of medical practitioners in the state. The letter sent by the health minister to state department states

“Candidates who have opted for MBBS and post graduate medical courses under the government quota were mandated to do rural service as per the 2006 mandatory rural service act. From 2008-09 to 2013-14, at least 3,702 candidates had to serve at rural areas, but only 86 have completed the service.

Considering this a serious violation of rules, I am directing you to issue notices insisting them to attend rural service or pay the penalty. Failing the same, licences must be withdrawn for such candidates.” The health minister stated in his communication

It is further reported that the Health Secretary has roped in the State Medical Council, asking it to send notices to the doctors as to why their registrations should not be cancelled.

“As per the MCI’s Code of Medical Ethics, the state medical council and the Medical Council of India have the power to withdraw the licences of doctors if they are found guilty of professional misconduct. Considering this, we have prepared to issue showcause notices to such candidates with the support of the state Medical Council,” a senior official of the department said.