Karnataka introduces updated rules for providing mandatory services to doctors

BENGALURU: The state government has introduced updated rules for compulsory service in Karnataka by candidates who have completed Medical (Counselling, Allotment and Certification) Courses (Amendment), 2024.

The rules were officially published on March 16, 2024, after public consultation, which received no response. The new regulations aim to improve the process of assigning medical graduates to mandatory positions. They entered into force immediately after their publication in the official journal.

The government has updated rules on compulsory professional service for medical graduates and introduced new definitions of “exemption”, meaning exemption from one year’s compulsory service, and “remuneration”, meaning a stipend determined by the government. The terms “training” and “trainee” have been removed from the regulations.

New members have been added to the committee responsible for overseeing the services, including the secretary of the Karnataka Medical Council and the administrative director of health and family welfare services. Additionally, a grievance committee has been formed to deal with issues related to counseling and visits, which includes officials from the health and education departments in Bengaluru.

The Complaints Committee will oversee and deal with matters relating to candidate advice and appointments and make recommendations to the competent authority. In order to assign candidates to compulsory service, the home university is obliged to collect lists of candidates from all universities, including private and recognized universities, immediately after the announcement of the results.

During online counseling, candidates can choose their preferred placement or exemption based on merit. If their selection is not available, they can be assigned a random location. Candidates not granted an exemption must serve at their designated location.

Registrars of recognized and private universities must submit lists of candidates for compulsory service. During the counseling, a priority list will be drawn up, in which preference will be given to candidates or their family members struggling with serious or incurable diseases who cannot be treated at a designated facility. Candidates who miss counseling, fail to select a location or fail to report for duty on time may face penalties – Rs 15 lakh for MBBS, Rs 20 lakh for diploma, Rs 25 lakh for MD/MS and Rs 30 lakh for super-speciality courses.