Bengaluru: The State Cabinet is said to have given approval yesterday to recruit specialist doctors to vacant posts in Government Hospitals through direct recruitment and would be appointed on a special grade with perks.

The decision was taken in the wake of many specialist doctors unwilling to work in Government hospitals especially in rural areas.

The Government’s decision is likely to benefit rural areas with shortage of doctors. The new recruitment policy is said to apply to nurses and staff also. Over 900 specialist doctors and 300 Medical Officers would be appointed as per the plan. It is learnt that vacant posts of doctors in AYUSH Department too would be filled as per the new policy.

The Government has consented to hand over 10 acres of Gomala land near Begur village of Gundlupet taluk in Chamarajanagar district to Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) to set up cotton marketing stalls.