Bangalore:
Karnataka Government would make it mandatory for MBBS and post-graduate doctors to serve one year in rural areas and a bill in this context would be introduced on July 30, Medical Education Minister S A Ramadass said today.
Replying to Congress' Ramanath Rai B during question hour in the Assembly, he said (as a result), the duration of MBBS would become six and half years from 2013-14.
The current duration of the course is five and half years.
He said from September, 3000 MBBS and 1110 post-graduate doctors would be available for government service in rural areas.
According to officials of the Department, only after they serve one year in rural areas after successful completion of the course, would the medical students be made eligible for permanent registration with the Karnataka Medical Council.
The bill also proposes to hike penalty rates for MBBS and post-graduate doctors who avail concessional seats in Government colleges and government seats in private colleges but opt not to serve the Government after successful completion of the course as stipulated in the relevant rules.