ANBAI organises orientation programme in Bengaluru on shortage of specialists

An orientation programme was recently organised by Association of National Board Accredited Institutions, Karnataka (ANBAI) at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute. Experienced teachers from private hospitals from all over the country shared their expertise with faculty in the district hospitals.

The Government of Karnataka (GoK) has always endeavoured towards addressing the issue of shortage of specialist in the state. Many initiatives like direct recruitment and increased salaries for contract specialists were not very effective. The ANBAI was able to effectively liaison between the GoK and the National Board of Examinations in arriving at a tangible solution by way of starting DNB course in district hospitals, whereby specialists services would be made available on a continuous basis. This year 51 students have joined the seven hospitals which have been recognised for training.

Shivananda Patil, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Karnataka, in his address said that this joint effort by ANBAI and National Board of Examinations (NBE) with the Government of Karnataka is definitely bound to address the issue of specialists shortage in district hospitals. He further called upon the teachers to ensure that this effort is fully utilised for the benefits of our state.

Javed Akhtar, Health Secretary, Karnataka thanked Dr Alexander Thomas, President, ANBAI, for his persistent efforts in making this a reality. Dr Dave, Executive Director, NBE, appreciated the efforts of GoK and promised to explore possibilities of adding points for service of Government doctors at time of selection to PG courses of NBE.

Dr Thomas recalled the efforts of GoK, NBE and ANBAI which spanned over three years and the cooperation of many health secretaries during this time. He also acknowledged the efforts of Dr CN Manjunath and Dr Devi Shetty. This project will have a significant impact on the quality of healthcare delivered in Karnataka, both in the short term and long term. All candidates who train in the hospitals have to serve in Karnataka for three years after they complete the course. He also alluded to the other areas like NABH accreditation of government hospitals and introduction of paediatric surgery services in district hospitals in collaboration withANBAI and AHPI.