The Labour Minister of Karnataka Bache Gowda has said that the management of ESI hospital will not be handed over to the Central Government as suggested by Union Labour Minister Mallikarjuna Kharge. He said ESI hospitals are provided sufficient medicine and ambulance services. However, he said the problem of doctors’ shortage will be resolved by the recruitment of 47 doctors. He lamented that newly recruited Doctors are paid just Rs 13, 000. This meager remuneration is not lucrative enough for doctors. He hence noted that filling doctor’s post in government hospitals has become difficult and therefore the Chief Minister has been requested to enhance it to at least Rs.18, 000. He informed that during 2009-10 Government of India paid Rs.169 crore for the upkeep of ESI hospitals and dispensaries in the State and State Government spent Rs.279 crore. He assured that ESI hospitals and dispensaries will be extended all support by the State and reiterated that these will not be handed over to the Central Government. Union Labour Minister Mallikarjuna Kharge had recently informed that he had written to all the Chief Ministers of States that if they cannot manage ESI hospitals properly it can be handed over to them. The Union Minister had also said that Delhi and Mumbai governments have agreed to his suggestion to shift management to Centre.<br/>