Karnataka Doctors May Be Permitted to Practice in Kasaragod, Health Minister Announces

Keralam government has asked the State Medical Council to allow doctors registered with the Karnataka Medical Council to practice in Kasaragod, citing the district's special circumstances, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said.

Recommendation

The council is expected to decide favorably soon, a statement made while the minister inaugurated the 'Kayakalpam' outreach programme.

Staffing and Infrastructure

The minister said government hospitals need more doctors, nurses, pharmacists and lab technicians and that additional posts have been sought; early approval would ease staff shortages. He noted the tenure of National Health Mission staff in Kasaragod has been extended to March 31. A meeting of the Endosulfan cell will be convened. Periye in Kasaragod is one of four sites proposed to the Centre for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Hostel facilities at Kasaragod Medical College are to be ready within two months and a nursing student hostel will start construction within three months. A forensic surgeon will be posted at Kanhangad district hospital. A new District Medical Office building will be built at a cost of ₹4.8 crore.

Context

These steps aim to address chronic staff gaps and improve health services in a border district that faces unique challenges, including past Endosulfan contamination and limited medical infrastructure.