Government doctor in Karnataka switched to driving rickshaws, blames IAS officers for his plight

A 53-year-old government doctor in Karnataka, who worked as a reproductive and child health officer has started driving auto – rickshaws for livelihood. Dr Ravindranath MH, served in the Ballari district for 24 years for the health and family welfare department turned into a rickshaw driver in Davanagere after not receiving salary from 15 months. The doctor blames the IAS officers for his present condition. Dr Ravindranath said that his troubles began when he refused to help an IAS officer get a posting in 2018.

He was constantly harassed by a zilla panchayat CEO and was suspended on June 6 due to a technical error. He was however reinstated after his appeal to Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT). The government doctor mentioned that brass have ignored the orders of KAT, “..When KAT gave its ruling, there was no pandemic. Hundreds of medical staff are transferred during this time including a doctor from Sedam General Hospital. I have filed a contempt petition and a hearing is scheduled for September 11.”

It was then that the doctor moved to his home town Davanagere and started driving auto rickshaws for livelihood. When asked why not private practice, he answered, “If I open a private clinic, I’ll have to go to the same officials to get a licence. I am sure they would not oblige.” He further emphasized on health officials feeling stress and should not end up like Nanjagud taluk health officer, Dr SR Nagendra who ended his life last month.