The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has only two radiologists and seven gynaecologists for its 24 maternity homes, six referral hospitals, 29 health centres, 19 urban family welfare centres and 16 dispensaries.

While the Government has sanctioned 17 posts for gynaecologists in BBMP hospitals, only seven are on the palike roster. With no permanent anaesthetists, the palike employs these specialists on a contract basis paying them Rs. 1,000 per case. Overall, BBMP hospitals have 62 vacant posts of doctors in various specialities. Of the 110 now working, 42 are on deputation from the State Health and Family Welfare Department.

Considering the doctor-patient-ratio in BBMP hospitals, the palike needs at least 100 doctors more, sources said.

With the Health Department recalling its doctors on deputation, the BBMP will have to soon send back the 42 doctors. This will further aggravate the shortage making it difficult for the palike to run the hospitals.

No takers

BBMP Chief Health Officer L.T. Gayathri, who admitted that there was a shortage, toldThe Hinduhere that efforts were on to recruit more doctors. “We had called for applications for the posts of 15 doctors last year. While 45 applications were received, only 11 attended the interview after which only five reported for duty,” she said.

Pointing out that there were not many takers for doctors' posts in palike hospitals, Dr. Gayatri said: “We again called for 36 gynaecologists and 146 staff nurses a few days ago. So far, only two have applied.”

Low pay

BBMP sources said that doctors refuse to join Government hospitals mainly because of the low pay. The palike has fixed a monthly salary of Rs. 30,000 for the new recruits. “This is a meagre amount for doctors who are forced to work for more than 10 hours. Besides, they will have to forego private practice,” the sources said. “That apart, doctors say it is a hassle to work in a government set-up because they will come under the ambit of Right to Information Act (RTI). Apart from our job, we will also become administrative officials and spend most of the time furnishing information to RTI applicants,” said a Rajajinagar-based doctor said. He said that he dismissed the thought of applying for a government job only because of this.

Poor hit

E. Premdas, co-convener of Janaarogya Andolana-Karnataka and coordinator, Community Health Cell, said that the shortage adversely affected the poor.

“Poor patients dependent on BBMP hospitals will be forced to consult private doctors. The shortage will deprive them of affordable healthcare, which is their fundamental right,” he said.