The Karnataka Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) has strongly opposed the state government's new rule banning government doctors from providing inpatient treatment under the private system after official duty hours. The KGMOA says doctors have long offered private care after hours following government orders. Now, the government has split services into inpatient and outpatient, barring doctors from private inpatient work. This, the association warns, will hurt rural patients who depend on these experienced specialists and surgeons. KGMOA president Ravindranath Meti expressed concern that the government’s new rules "appear to single out government doctors" and are "weakening the public healthcare system." He also highlighted unresolved issues like outdated seniority lists, pay disparities, and vacant jobs that remain unfilled. Despite requests over four years, government recruitment and cadre reforms have not been made. Meti said these problems lower doctor morale and service quality. The KGMOA has called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to step in and resolve these issues. If no action is taken, they warn protests may follow. The association clarified it does not support private practice during official duty hours but sees the latest restrictions as unfair and harmful to health services, especially in rural areas.