Date:23/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/23/stories/2006082312260400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

`Doctors reluctant to work for Government'

Special Correspondent

Only 783 vacancies filled last year against notification for 1,000

Government to go ahead with recruitment of 1,089 doctors shortly
All parties demand measures to recruit more medical, paramedical staff

`Contract doctors show no enthusiasm due to doubts about regularisation'

HYDERABAD: Health Minister K. Rosaiah on Tuesday said the Government was unable to fill vacant posts of doctors in several hospitals across the State, as medical professionals were reluctant to join Government service.

His admission came during question hour when K. Nagesh (TRS) asked whether the services of contract doctors would be regularised. "Last year we had issued a notification for recruitment of 1,000 doctors, but managed to fill only 783 vacancies," Mr. Rosaiah said. Despite incentives and lifting of ban on private practice, doctors were reluctant to join Government hospitals. He said notwithstanding the problem, the Government was going ahead with recruitment of 1,089 doctors and 305 paramedical staff shortly.

Hospitals suffering

Members of all parties, including the Congress, demanded measures to recruit more doctors and paramedical staff for Government-run hospitals.

Dr. Nagesh said many hospitals were suffering due to lack of doctors.

He asked whether there was any proposal to regularise the services of contract doctors.

CPI (M) floor leader N. Narsimhaiah wanted the Government to re-examine the recruitment policy to engage doctors on contract basis. K. Dharmasri (Congress) said contract doctors and staff did not show much enthusiasm, as they were sceptical about regularisation of jobs.

Chada Venkat Reddy (CPI) urged the Government to look into reasons why doctors showed least interest in joining Government service. G. Vijayarama Rao (TRS) wanted regular specialist doctors posted in all major hospitals.