Long-standing critical vacancies in government hospitals filled through online counselling system in transfers, says Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao

The recent transfer process through a technology-enabled online counselling system in the State Health Department has played a significant role in addressing the issue of long-standing critical vacancies across various public healthcare facilities, particularly in the area of maternal care, said Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.

Giving details about the transfer of a total of 5,676 officers and health personnel across the State, carried out under the Karnataka State Civil Services (Regulation of Transfer of Medical Officers and Other Staff) (Amendment) Rules, 2025, Mr. Rao told presspersons that critical positions have been filled in many hospitals, especially in rural areas.

Critical triad

“Critical vacancies such as gynaecologists, anesthesiologists and paediatricians — an essential triad for comprehensive maternal health services — have now been filled in a majority of locations. These locations include Community Health Centres (CHCs) in places where the posts were vacant for the last five to seven years,” the Minister said, asserting that the plan is to double this triad in all taluk hospitals in future for further strengthening maternal care.

Attributing the success of the initiative to the coordinated efforts of the department at all levels, the Minister said: “While District Health Officers and their teams diligently compiled and shared data with the State, officials and staff at the State level worked swiftly to consolidate the information and complete the process in record time. A total of 248 teams at the district level and eight teams at the State level operated in video conference mode, ensuring that the transfer process was smooth and efficient.”

The annual transfer process in the department has been completed in a record time, commencing on June 19 and concluding by July 3. The technology-enabled online counselling system ensured greater efficiency, speed and reduced human interference, the Minister said.

Grievance redressal

Besides, a dedicated WhatsApp-based grievance redressal mechanism was introduced, allowing staff to promptly report and resolve any technical or procedural issues. In addition, a new appeal provision in the Transfer Rules, 2025, was introduced to ensure transparency, fairness and timely redressal of grievances during the counselling process.

Under this system, appeals are received and disposed of during counselling itself, enabling employees to secure fair opportunities for available postings without waiting until the end of the process. This timely mechanism has not only enhanced employee satisfaction but also strengthened departmental efficiency by reducing delays and disputes, Mr. Rao explained.