The Health Ministry plans to introduce more financial incentives to encourage doctors to serve in tribal and remote areas in a bid to address the long-standing gaps in healthcare delivery in these regions, the Director of Medical Education (DME) said.
In an interview with The Hindu DME Dr. A. Narendra Kumar said that nine districts with significant tribal population have been identified for the proposed incentive scheme. “The plan is aimed at motivating doctors already in government service to take up positions in marginal and less preferred areas where shortage of teachers and reluctance to serve have been persistent problems,” he said.
The districts identified are Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Mulugu, Warangal, Mahabubabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam and Nagarkurnool.
According to the proposal, doctors posted to these districts would be entitled to an additional allowance ranging from 30% to 50% of their basic salary. “The exact amount will depend on the nature of the posting and location. The incentive is meant to compensate for professional and personal challenges associated with working in tribal areas. The proposal component has already been circulated to the government,” added Dr. Kumar.
The incentive system is part of a broader strategy to strengthen health services in underserved regions, along with other measures such as targeted teacher recruitment and selective policy interventions based on staff shortages. The DME added that the reluctance of doctors to accept postings in districts is a recurring problem that requires financial and political support.
“Once introduced, the allowance is expected to apply specifically to doctors serving in designated tribal districts rather than being extended universally across the state,” he added.
Published – 21 Feb 2026 20:26 IST
