U.T. Khader.
| Photo Credit: File photo
Cracking the whip on his first day in office, Karnataka’s new Health Minister U.T. Khader conducted a surprise inspection of a government hospital in the early hours of Friday (June 5), and later announced an urgent recruitment drive for doctors and a review of complaints relating to private hospitals and ambulance services.Soon after portfolios were announced on Thursday (June 4) night, Mr. Khader paid an unannounced visit to Jayanagar General Hospital in Bengaluru on Friday around 1 a.m. to assess healthcare delivery at the ground level.The Minister expressed concern after noticing a pregnant woman seated on the floor and took note of the absence of some doctors assigned night duty.Action against absenteeismThe doctors found absent would be asked to explain their absence and warned against future negligence, he said, pointing out that disciplinary action would follow repeated violations. “Our objective is to ensure healthcare services reach more people. We want to understand the difficulties faced by doctors, staff and patients, and work towards practical solutions,” Mr. Khader told The Hindu.Recruitment driveThe Minister chaired a meeting of senior health officials on Friday (June 5) and directed them to initiate immediate measures to fill up vacancies in Health Department-run hospitals across Karnataka. MBBS graduates willing to work in government hospitals will be allowed to apply directly through District Health Officers and attend the interview. Eligible candidates will be appointed within a week, with a monthly remuneration of ₹60,000, he said.Mr. Khader said addressing the shortage of doctors remained a priority and invited suggestions from healthcare professionals and the public to make the department more responsive and effective. He also said that several initiatives introduced by his predecessor, Dinesh Gundu Rao, would be continued and strengthened.Empanelled hospitalsThe Minister reviewed the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka health insurance scheme and directed officials to ensure strict monitoring of empanelled private hospitals. He warned that hospitals charging beneficiaries beyond prescribed rates would face action.Appealing to the public to report instances of overcharging through district-level health facilitators or District Health Officers, he said healthcare schemes intended for vulnerable sections must be implemented transparently and without exploitation.The Minister also urged citizens to cooperate with healthcare workers and refrain from damaging hospital property, threatening doctors or intimidating nurses. Creating a safe and secure working environment for medical personnel was essential for improving healthcare delivery, he said. Published - June 05, 2026 10:45 pm IST
