Khader makes a surprise inspection of the hospital on the first day and announces the recruitment

UT Khader. | Photo credit: File photo

Cracking the whip on his first day in office, Karnataka’s new health minister UT Khader conducted a surprise inspection at a government hospital on Friday (June 5) and later announced an urgent recruitment of doctors and a review of complaints against private hospitals and emergency services.

Soon after the portfolios were announced on Thursday (June 4) evening, Mr. Khader paid an unannounced visit to Jayanagar General Hospital in Bengaluru at around 1 am on Friday to review the health care delivery at the field level.

The minister expressed concern after noticing a pregnant woman sitting on the floor and noted the absence of some doctors assigned to night duty.

Measures against absenteeism

Doctors found absent would be asked to explain their absence and warned against future negligence, he said, pointing out that repeated violations would be subject to disciplinary action. “Our aim is to ensure that health services reach more people. We want to understand the difficulties faced by doctors, staff and patients and work on practical solutions,” Mr Khader told The Hindu.

Recruiting Unit

The minister presided over a meeting of senior health officials on Friday (June 5) and directed them to initiate immediate measures to fill vacancies in hospitals run by the health department across Karnataka. MBBS graduates who are willing to work in government hospitals will be able 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 doctor shortage remained a priority and called for suggestions from health professionals and the public to make the department more responsive and efficient. He also said that several initiatives introduced by his predecessor Dinesh Gundu Rao would be continued and strengthened.

Empaneled hospitals

The Minister reviewed the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka health insurance scheme and directed officials to ensure strict monitoring of empaneled private hospitals. He warned that hospitals charging beneficiaries beyond the prescribed rates would face action.

Appealing to the public to report cases of overcharging through district level health advisers or district hygienists, he said health schemes meant for vulnerable sections must be implemented transparently and without exploitation.

The minister further called on citizens to cooperate with medical professionals and refrain from damaging hospital property, threatening doctors or intimidating nurses. Creating a safe and secure work environment for medical staff was critical to improving health care delivery, he said.

Published – 05 Jun 2026 22:45 IST