EXCLUSIVE: 20 Healthcare Posts Lying Vacant in Kodagu Government Health Centres
- Saritha Devaiah Ballachanda
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
Bengaluru/Madikeri: A shortage of medical staff continues to affect healthcare delivery in Kodagu, with 20 sanctioned posts lying vacant across government-run health facilities, according to official data.
According to data accessed by The Kodagu Express, out of 63 sanctioned posts in Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs), only 43 are currently filled. CHCs, which are crucial for providing specialised services in rural areas, are facing the greatest shortfall of the 32 sanctioned posts, just 14 are on duty, leaving 18 positions vacant.
In contrast, PHCs are in a relatively better position, with 31 sanctioned posts and 29 currently filled, resulting in only two vacancies. PHCs serve as the first point of contact for rural residents seeking medical care and are vital in handling day-to-day health needs, immunisation drives, and basic treatments.
The data was tabled in the Legislative Council on Monday by Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, in response to a question from M.P. Suja Kushalappa, MLC from Kodagu. In a written reply, Dinesh Gundu Rao stated that to fill the vacant posts in healthcare centres in Kodagu, newspaper advertisements have been issued multiple times. MBBS doctors are being appointed either on a permanent or contract basis.
According to government data, Kodagu has 29 rural Primary Health Centres and seven rural Community Health Centres in operation.
Meanwhile, people have expressed concern that the shortage, particularly in CHCs, could lead to delays in treatment, overburdening of existing staff, and reduced access to essential health services for rural communities. Calls have been made to expedite recruitment to ensure adequate staffing and improve service delivery.
“The vacancies highlight the ongoing challenge of retaining and deploying medical professionals in rural healthcare infrastructure. When there are not enough doctors in our health centres, patients are forced to travel long distances even for basic treatment. This delay can be dangerous, especially in emergencies," said Kaveri Muthappa, a resident of Virajpet.
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