Bengaluru, February 21: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the need for health professionals to prioritize humanity over caste and religion during a recent event. Speaking at the Abhay Hast program organized by the Health and Family Welfare Department, he distributed appointment letters to new recruits in various positions within the health sector and the Food Safety and Drug Administration.
Siddaramaiah expressed satisfaction at the appointment of 1,000 individuals who will take up roles in the health department. He highlighted that working in the health sector is not merely a profession but a meaningful service tied to saving lives and preventing diseases.
Following his government’s return to power, he noted that efforts are underway to fill vacant positions in a phased manner, addressing several issues in the recruitment process. He reiterated that sectors directly linked to public welfare, such as education, health, and policing, are top priorities for his administration, with steps being taken to fill existing vacancies. Currently, over 2.5 million positions remain unfilled across various government departments, which will be gradually addressed.
To ensure transparency and combat corruption, the recruitment process is being conducted through counseling. Approximately 5,700 positions, including those for doctors, have been transferred through this method. The government aims to eliminate corruption in recruitment and transfer processes. Siddaramaiah warned government employees against falling prey to middlemen involved in transfer-related matters.
Reiterating the importance of all health workers, he stated that non-medical staff play a crucial role in the functioning of the health department. He urged them to perform their duties with a sense of humanity, transcending caste and religious differences.
“When blood is needed for treating patients, no one considers caste or religion. However, once people recover, they often fall back into the cycle of caste and religious divisions,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for a greater focus on disease prevention and called for an active approach from the health department in this regard. He mentioned that the government is implementing several initiatives aimed at strengthening and improving the state’s health system.
