Bengaluru, Aug 22 (IANS): Karnataka has initiated the process for one year compulsory government service by medical post graduates (PG), asking them to register to begin at a time when the state is overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic and shortage of doctors, a minister said on Saturday.

"For the first time after the Supreme Court verdict in August 2019, we have begun an online registration process for compulsory government service after PG medical courses," said Medical Education Minister K. Sudhakar.

He said these candidates will be posted as senior residents and tutors in medical education or equivalent posts in the health department.

Counselling procedure for the mandatory government service of successful MD, MS and Diploma candidates in July and August will be held shortly.

"As a preliminary preparation, all candidates who have passed are hereby instructed to compulsorily register by August 25th 3 p.m. without fail," said an official.

Principals and heads of institutes have been entrusted with the task of ensuring that graduates comply with the registration process.

The medical education department has invoked the Karnataka Compulsory Service by Candidates Completed Medical Courses (Amendment) Act 2012, Section (4) for post graduates.

According to this Act, one year of government service is mandatory for all medical post graduates admitted under any category in Karnataka.

Similarly, duty allocation is on a first come first serve merit basis.

"The allotment will be on a first come first serve cum merit basis. They shall lose the right to merit for allotment if they fail to register. Hence, all candidates are directed to compulsorily register," he said.

Likewise, a no objection certificate (NOC) for reciprocal registration between candidates will not be issued without the endorsement of the director of medical education.

Colleges have also been instructed not to issue certificates without the director's endorsement.

More than a week ago, Sudhakar had announced that 2,000 PG medical students are poised to join forces to strengthen the state's battle against the pandemic.

The compulsory service move comes at a time when the Karnataka health department is overwhelmed by the Covid situation and the shortage of doctors.

To tide over the shortage, the Bengaluru civic body has already advertised some vacancies and recruited doctors, nurses and other medical staff.

With 7,571 more infections on Friday, the statewide Covid tally rose to 2.64 lakh cases.