Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Oscar Fernandes today advocated more attractive salaries to doctors in India. He said Indian doctors are migrating to US and other foreign countries as they get less salary and due to poor service conditions here.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 3rd Karnataka Government ESI Medical Officers Association Conference (ESICON) at the Platinum Jubilee Hall in JK Grounds here this morning. He said that the Union Government had taken serious note of migration of doctors to foreign countries. "We can lure them back only if we give them attractive salary and provide hi-tech facilities," he added. He promised to discuss the issue with States.

Referring to the lack of qualified doctors in ESI hospitals, Oscar Fernandes said that there should be exclusive Medical Colleges to train the ESI doctors as ESI hospitals were to treat workers in organised and unorganised sectors. Assuring that he would discuss the issue with State Governments, he promised adequate funds from the Centre for such medical colleges. Dr. K.S. Palanetra, President, ESI Medical Officers Association, Mysore Chapter, welcomed. Dr. B.L. Sridhar, Principal Secretary, Department of Labour, Dr. Rahimunnisa, Director, ESI Medical Services, Dr. D.O. Gangadharaswamy, Dy. Director, Dr. B.R. Karishetty, Commissioner, ESI Corporation, Dr. P.T. Chandrahas, President, State Association, Dr. R.L. Chilakawad, Chairman, Organising Committee, Dr. B.S. Shivanand, Organising Secretary and Dr. J.S. Muninanjappa were on the dais.

There were hardly 150 delegates during the function as the inaugural ceremony was advanced by three hours. The Minister, who was scheduled to inaugurate the conference at 11 am, fulfilled the engagement at 8 am as he was to reach Pune by noon. His wife Blossom also accompanied him.