The Karnataka Health Department recently suggested significant revisions to the state’s mandatory rural service policy, which is a big step. The purpose of these modifications is to reduce the financial load on the government by restricting the policy to students attending government medical colleges. If adopted, this new strategy has the potential to save almost Rs 544 crore annually.
The Situation Right Now
Under the existing system, medical graduates from Karnataka’s government and private medical universities must do a year of rural duty. Medical graduates from private medical colleges are also subject to the Karnataka Compulsory Service Training by Candidates completing Medical Courses Act, 2012. During their mandatory service, students enrolled in the MBBS, MD/MS/Diploma, and Super Speciality programmes get salaries of around Rs 62,666, Rs 70,000, and Rs 72,800 per month, respectively.
Nevertheless, in accordance with the 2012 Act, these students must receive a stipend that is Rs 100 less than the minimum gross pay granted to general duty medical physicians, specialists, and senior specialists working for the State Health and Family Welfare Department.
The Change in Policy Proposed
The Karnataka Health Department recently proposed limiting the requirement for rural service to just students attending government medical institutes. By making this adjustment, the government will have less financial stress and the policy will be implemented with greater focus. The salary load can be limited to Rs 300 crore by simply taking government medical college students into account as opposed to the predicted Rs 844 crore if all medical graduates are taken into account.
Justification for the Proposal
The significant financial impact that the current policy has on the state’s healthcare budget has been highlighted by the Health Department of Karnataka. The annual cost is anticipated to reach Rs 844 crore with about 7,845 MBBS students, 2,844 PG students, and 180 super-speciality students potentially enlisting in mandatory duty. The cost can be greatly reduced to Rs 300 crore by restricting the scheme to government medical colleges, which enrol 2,750 MBBS students, 1,050 PG students, and 100 super-speciality students.
The Way Forward
The government is now debating the idea of just requiring candidates attending government medical colleges to complete their mandatory rural service. The State Health Department of Karnataka has formally proposed this suggestion, emphasising the need to streamline the policy for better financial management and the possible cost savings.
The Health Department has also advocated tougher punishments for students who don’t adhere to the requirements for their required rural service. The effectiveness and accountability of the policy are intended to be strengthened by the suggested improvements.
Karnataka’s planned revisions to its mandatory rural service law, which would only apply to students at government medical schools, could significantly reduce the state’s healthcare spending. By focusing on a targeted implementation approach, the government aims to streamline the policy and ensure efficient utilization of resources.
The government is attempting to strike a balance by making these changes between managing the financial effects of the mandatory service and addressing the healthcare needs of rural communities. This policy change will help Karnataka’s healthcare system become more sustainable while also reducing the load on the government.
