Kerala seeks approval for Karnataka-registered doctors to practise in Kasaragod

Kasaragod: The Kerala government has recommended allowing doctors registered with the Karnataka Medical Council to practise in Kasaragod, citing the district’s specific healthcare requirements and the need to address the shortage of medical professionals.

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan announced the recommendation while inaugurating the ‘Kayakalpam’ public outreach programme. He said the proposal had been made to the State Medical Council, which is expected to take a favourable decision shortly, according to The Hindu.

The government has also sought additional staff for public hospitals in the district, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory technicians. The extension of the tenure of National Health Mission (NHM) employees in Kasaragod until March 31 was also highlighted as part of the government's efforts to strengthen healthcare services.

The minister further said a meeting of the Endosulfan cell would be convened soon to address issues concerning affected families. He also outlined several infrastructure measures planned for the district.

Among these, Periye in Kasaragod has been proposed as one of four locations under consideration for the establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The government has also directed officials to arrange hostel facilities at Kasaragod Medical College within two months, while construction of a hostel for nursing students is expected to begin within three months, The Hindu reported.

The minister further said that the services of a forensic surgeon would be made available at Kanhangad District Hospital to strengthen its medical services.

Separately, a new building for the District Medical Office is planned at an estimated cost of Rs 4.8 crore.

The proposed measures come amid efforts to address staffing shortages, improve hospital infrastructure and expand access to specialist healthcare services in Kasaragod.