Staff shortage fettering Karnataka's medical colleges, say experts
Bengaluru: In Karnataka's medical colleges, especially those in smaller towns, one issue continues to crop up — no one wants to go there to teach. Despite these colleges having well-equipped classrooms and digital tools, doctors say learning suffers because of staff shortage.
The concern was echoed strongly at a recent medical education conference in Bengaluru, where doctors, educators, and students spoke candidly about the state of medical colleges — both govt and private. "In the past 25 years, there has been a boom in the number of medical colleges, but a lack of adequate teaching faculty," said Dr Ramesh S Bilimagga, senior radiation oncologist at HCG hospital.
Naveen Thimmaiah, director of Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, chimed in: "Karnataka is currently in a phase where many medical colleges are just set up, one in nearly every district.
There are classrooms, but there are teething issues when it comes to getting teachers to show up and teach regularly. This is especially true in the far-off districts of Karnataka. If you ask how many of us are willing to go to a tier 2 city and teach, most will say it's not possible.
"
Their concerns were mirrored by the National Medical Commission (NMC), which has issued show-cause notices to 22 govt medical colleges across the state this month, citing faculty shortage and inadequate infrastructure.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Nagelpilz-Innovation: Dieses Lasergerät ist ein Wunder
Heilratgeber
Weiterlesen
Undo
Lack of research bend
While faculty shortage plagues medical education on the one hand, lack of research is another concern. Dr Nagesh, syndicate member of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), said there aren't enough researchers among faculty members because too many medical colleges were opened too quickly. "In the last 25 years, in the speed of making healthcare accessible to everybody, we unscientifically increased the number of seats and colleges to cover the country's clinical needs with primary and secondary healthcare.
"
He said teachers trained in this period often lack research grounding. At a recent RGUHS syndicate meeting, Rs 60 lakh in research funding was offered to researchers (faculty). While many expressed interest, most didn't meet the basic criteria — such as having a publication in an indexed journal and an H-index of at least five. "Except for pharmacologists, no one qualified," Dr Nagesh said, adding that it's time to start nurturing teachers with a strong research mindset.
Earlier, he noted, funding was a challenge. "Now, we have the money — it's time to act."
BOX
Matter of policy
Responding to NMC notices, Dr Sujatha Rathod, director of medical education, told TOI that recruitment delays are linked to policy matters. "The hiring of senior residents and assistant professors was delayed by internal reservation determination. Till then, staff recruitments are being allowed through contract," she said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
11 minutes ago
- Time of India
Why this 12-year-old collapsed every time he took a hot bath, doctor reveals the answer
In a part of rural Andhra Pradesh, 12-year-old Sai Teja 's mornings started like many others: foggy air, piping hot water, and the comfort of a bath that shook off the winter chill. But hidden in this routine was a danger no one saw coming. Every time hot water touched his head, Sai would feel dizzy, his vision would blur, and before anyone could act, he'd collapse. What began as occasional fainting turned into episodes of full-body stiffness, unconsciousness, and bruises from sudden falls. His parents, alarmed and confused, watched their otherwise healthy, intelligent son spiral into a mystery they couldn't solve. Why did no one suspect something serious? At first, there were all the common guesses. Was it the sudden heat? A drop in blood pressure? Winter dehydration? Or just a phase? Doctors in nearby clinics chalked it up to 'too hot water' or 'weakness,' suggesting simple tweaks like cooler baths or earlier meals. But the truth was far more complicated—and dangerously overlooked. It took several falls, a near head injury, and months of unanswered questions before Sai's parents sought a specialist's opinion in Hyderabad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo At the heart of the diagnosis was Dr Sudhir Kumar, a senior neurologist who didn't dismiss the pattern. After careful observation, Sai underwent an EEG test, which finally gave a name to the fear: Hot Water Epilepsy (HWE). Unlike regular epilepsy, which can strike without warning, HWE is a reflex epilepsy. That means it gets triggered only by a specific action, in this case, hot water being poured over the head. Strikingly, it's more common than many realise in certain parts of South India, particularly Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Hot water epilepsy Hot Water Epilepsy might sound unusual, but in regions where bathing habits include pouring hot water over the head, especially during winter, cases surface quietly and often go undiagnosed. The exact cause isn't fully known, but neurologists believe the sudden temperature change on the scalp can overstimulate sensitive neurons in the brain, especially in genetically predisposed individuals. The EEG often shows abnormal spikes in brain activity immediately after exposure. What's important to know is this: HWE is real, diagnosable, and treatable. It's not a psychological issue or a response to fear—it's a neurological reaction. World Cancer Day: 10-year-old boy becomes 'doctor for a day' at Gujarat Cancer Research Institute Once Sai was diagnosed, everything changed. He was prescribed mild anti-seizure medication, but what helped more were the lifestyle adjustments. His family was advised to: Use lukewarm water for bathing Avoid pouring water directly over the head Say no to steam rooms or saunas That was it. No complex treatments. No hospital stays. Just simple steps—rooted in awareness. And it worked One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
What would Jonas Salk say in RFK Jr.'s America? A vaccine legacy reimagined
Picture this: It's the 1950s. Polio is terrifying families across the globe. Kids are getting paralyzed, hospitals are overflowing, and playgrounds feel like danger zones. Enter Jonas Salk—a quiet, brilliant guy with a game-changing idea: a vaccine that could stop polio in its tracks. And when he finally succeeds? He gives it away. No patent, no billion-dollar payout. When asked why, he famously replied, 'Could you patent the sun?' That was the mindset back then—science was about saving lives, not making money. Fast forward to today, and it feels like we've entered a different universe. The COVID-19 pandemic hit, and science scrambled—again—for answers. Vaccines were developed faster than ever before. But instead of a global celebration, what followed was a storm of skepticism, conspiracy theories, and a whole lot of noise. And right in the middle of it all? Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Once known for his environmental activism, RFK Jr. is now one of the loudest anti-vaccine voices in America. During the height of the pandemic, his social media feed became a firehose of vaccine misinformation. In fact, one study found that a small group of 'superspreaders'—including Kennedy—was responsible for most of the vaccine lies circulating online in 2021. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 오스템 임플란트 받아가세요 임플란터 더 알아보기 Undo Think about that. A few loud voices managed to drown out an entire global scientific effort. It makes you wonder: What would Jonas Salk say about all this? How did we get here—from a time when people lined up for vaccines to now, where some folks would rather take horse dewormer than trust a doctor? The roots go deep. Back in the '90s, a fraudulent study claimed vaccines caused autism—and even though it was debunked and retracted, the damage was done. That lie planted a seed of fear that's only grown thanks to social media, which tends to reward loud opinions more than accurate ones. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) gave Kennedy Jr. a megaphone—and people listened. Salk would probably be heartbroken. A man who believed in science as a tool for the common good would have a hard time wrapping his head around today's landscape, where personal beliefs often outweigh scientific facts, and public health becomes a political battleground. But he might also see a glimmer of hope. Because polio didn't disappear thanks to one guy—it was millions of parents, nurses, teachers, scientists, and everyday people who got on board and made it happen. That same spirit still exists. We see it in healthcare workers, in vaccine advocates, in communities pushing back against misinformation with facts and empathy. Maybe Salk would remind us that this isn't just about shots in arms. It's about trust. About choosing to believe in something bigger than yourself. About remembering that public health means everyone's health—not just yours. So as we stand in this weird, chaotic moment in history, we've got a choice to make. Do we let misinformation win? Or do we fight for facts, for science, and for the idea that saving lives is still something worth believing in? Because the question isn't just 'What would Jonas Salk say?' The real question is: What do we want our legacy to be? One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
Why weight loss can be so hard with thyroid issues — and what actually works
We see a lot of patients who come in with a similar problem of not being able to lose weight. Even after regularly exercising and maintaining a diet, they face difficulty in losing weight. In cases like this, we suspect the reason to be thyroid. In women, hypothyroidism can be a major reason why people may end up thinking that weight loss is impossible. But that is not the case, it is just that the usual 'eat less, move more' advice might not be enough. The T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) hormones are which are very important for controlling the metabolic rate as well as the use of energy. These are released by our Thyroid glands. Hence, when it lags, the metabolism drops and you burn very few calories. People who suffer from hypothyroidism might feel cold, fatigued and lethargic in addition to gaining weight or finding it impossible to lose weight. The symptoms are often subtle and weight gain happens mainly due to fluid retention, accumulation of fat and very little calorie burn. Why weight loss feels impossible Thyroid-related weight issues aren't just about a slower metabolism. There are other factors at play as well: Fatigue: Hypothyroidism can leave you too exhausted to exercise consistently. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Mood changes: Depression or low motivation, common in thyroid disorders, can derail healthy habits. Hormonal imbalance: Thyroid hormones are mainly involved with the production of insulin, cortisol, and sex hormones. These are in turn responsible for maintaining an individual's appetite, fat storage and weight. So, reduced thyroid hormones strike an imbalance in these as well. Muscle loss: Slowed-down thyroid glands can also lead to muscle breakdown which in turn reduces the basal metabolic rate of the body, thus causing the rate of calories that our body usually burns to come down. What's especially frustrating is that even after starting thyroid medication, many people don't immediately lose weight. That's because medication stabilizes hormone levels but doesn't automatically reset your metabolism. It still requires a strategic, consistent approach. What actually works for weight loss with thyroid issues The silver lining in this situation is that weight loss with thyroid problems is possible — but it requires a more informed and tailored strategy. Get your thyroid properly treated First and foremost, it is essential to consult a doctor and make sure that your thyroid levels are balanced. For this, synthetic thyroid hormone is recommended so that the TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) comes down to the required range. This, however, does not work for everyone and some people profit from getting their free T3 and T4 levels balanced. Prioritize strength training Practicing strength training at least 2-3 times a week can negate the effects of hypothyroidism. Strength training helps the body develop lean and strong muscle mass. It also boosts metabolism and contributes to long-term weight control goals. Choose the right carbs There are specific forms of thyroid disease that are autoimmune in nature, like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. People suffering from such conditions maybe prone to blood sugar imbalance. Hence, following a strict diet consisting of fiber and complex carbohydrates as well as one that is low in processed foods and sugar can help to control insulin levels and support weight loss. Manage stress and sleep There are certain hormones in the body that can worsen the condition even more. One of them is the stress hormone, cortisol. It can interfere with the function of the thyroid gland and make losing weight difficult. Engaging in destressing activities is the solution for it. Getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night, practicing relaxing techniques like reading a book or yoga and avoiding overexercising are a few ways of not letting cortisol affect the thyroid gland. Address nutrient deficiencies For a healthy functioning of the gland, iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin D, and B12 are a few of the major nutrients. A deficiency in any of these can impair hormone production and energy metabolism. It's worth checking your levels and considering supplements if needed, under your doctor's supervision. It surely is hard to lose weight, especially if you are suffering from hypothyroidism. It's not about extreme diets or working out until you drop. It's about understanding what your body needs and giving it the right kind of support. Correct diagnosis and recognising the type of thyroid disorder that the individual suffers from is important, marking the first step towards recovery. The right medical support, appropriate diet and fitness plan are what will bring about change. Your thyroid doesn't have to define your body or your health journey. You're still in charge and every small step counts. Dr. Narendra BS, Lead Consultant – Endocrinology & Diabetology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
