Govt docs can do private practice outside work hours

Health Minister Shivanand Patil said on Sunday that henceforth, there would be no restriction on private practice by doctors in government doctors, if it is outside their work hours.

He was addressing reporters in the city. "Applications have been invited for 357 posts of doctors in government hospitals. Counselling will be done for the recruitments soon. The appointments will be made at four levels. The doctors can serve in their respective regions, Patil said.

He said he was not disappointed though he did not get the portfolio of his choice. The minister said disgruntled Congress leader M B Patil may get a look-in in the second Cabinet expansion.

Addressing a felicitation programme organised in his honour at the NH High School near Nidagundi in neighbouring Vijayapura district, Shivanand Patil said that there are a good number of primary health centres and community health centres in the state, but lack the necessary facilities.

So, his priority would be upgrading facilities at these hospitals, instead of the opening of new ones.

There were enough doctors in the state, but they were not willing to serve in the villages. He said he would convince the doctors to work in the villages, so that the quality of healthcare was improved.