Confusion over salary, vacancies, and compulsory rural service, Karnataka MBBS Graduates seek Clarity

Apart from this, the salary structure as mentioned by Health and Family Welfare Department contradicts the one notified by the Directorate of Medical Education. Whereas the Health Department has mentioned the salary as Rs 62,666, the DME has mentioned it as Rs 40,000. Besides, the advertisement has been made for only 1,700 posts against the list of 3,000 candidates, resulting in an uncertain future for the students who could not get through with the counselling.

As a result, the MBBS students are confused and have no clue about their future. They are planning on meeting the Government officials to discuss the matter.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that being deprived of their rights to practice as doctors in absence of registration from the Karnataka Medical Council (KMC), around 3500 MBBS students were in the lurch as the medical colleges had withheld their original documents submitted at the time of admission. As per the medical college authorities, the original documents were withheld in compliance with the instructions given by the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) over the issue of clarity on compulsory rural service.

These doctors of the 2015 batch had been awaiting their marks card for over two months without which they couldn't get registered with the State Medical Council, which is mandatory for practicing.

Then, a bunch of medicos moved the Karnataka High Court challenging the validity of the Karnataka Compulsory Service Act which mandated one year of compulsory Government service.

Also Read: MBBS Doctors challenge Karnataka Compulsory Rural Service Act: HC issues notice to State, Centre, NMC

Finally, paying heed to the dilemma of the MBBS graduates, the Karnataka Government had decided to release their documents and provide them with Karnataka Medical Council (KMC) Registration. However, a rider had been forced as per which the students had to submit an affidavit that would ensure that after getting their appointments the medicos would fulfill their compulsory rural service requirements. Failing to do so, they would have to cough up a fine of Rs 30 to 50 lakh.

Also Read: Karnataka: MBBS graduates to finally get Medical Council registration, Compulsory Service Rider imposed

Now, as per the latest media report by The Hans India, the recent government notification had called for their services only in the district and taluk hospitals and medical colleges, making the compulsory rural service mandatory for students from the 2015 batch.

Besides, the notification couldn't clarify the salary of these doctors as well. While the notification by Health and Family Welfare Department has mentioned the salary to be Rs 62,666, the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) has mentioned it to be Rs 40,000.

Confusion is there regarding the number of vacancies as well. The Government has advertised for 1,700 vacancies against the list of 3,000 candidates.

While commenting on the government notification, a doctor from Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences told The Hans India, "Three days ago the government has put up a notice making the rural service compulsory for students from the 2015 batch. Though the matter is subjudice the government came out with this notice. The problem is that we have already lost five months and one year of compulsory rural service will cost us 17 months and we will lose complete academic year. Moreover, the notice clearly states that no accommodation will be provided during our service. Finding our own accommodations amid this pandemic in a place less known to us will be a big blow to our morale and security."

Referring to the contradictory salary structure mentioned by two departments of the Government, he further added, "Since all are MBBS graduates, all are doing compulsory service and the pay scale should be the same. Everyone should receive a salary of Rs 62,666. We want an official notification in this regard."

The medical students also seek clarity regarding the vacancies and the list of candidates. Further, they want to know about the future of those candidates who could not get through the counseling. The daily adds that the health department has asked all the students to apply for counseling. Those students who could not get through with it will get posted depending upon the available vacancies in the future.

Speaking to the daily regarding the matter, the student from Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences said, "We have not approached Health Minister, Dr. K Sudhakar yet. On Monday. We will meet the Health and Family Welfare Commissioner and the Principal Secretary (DME). If they are ready to drop counseling and address our needs we will wait or else we will meet the minister."

The students are definitely not happy with the Government over this decision of bringing compulsory rural service. One user wrote on Twitter, "I'm a medical student from Karnataka graduated in 2021 belonging to 2015 batch Now after wasting more than 4months since we graduated when we already have started preparing for neet pg exam you brought this compulsory rural service..."

Also Read: Failing to register with Karnataka Medical Council, 3500 MBBS students deprived of practice