The government has decided to provide full scholarships for postgraduate studies to doctors who work in rural areas for two years.

"This provision is under the incentive package aimed at motivating doctors to head towards rural areas," said Health Minister Uma Kanta Chaudhary. He added that there has always been a shortage of doctors in rural health centres because they prefer the pay and facilities of urban areas. But since the announcement, more than 200 doctors have submitted their applications at the ministry to work in traditionally neglected areas.

In addition to a regular salary, doctors in rural areas will be granted many fringe benefits including internet links, rent support, and educational provisions for their children. They will also receive salary increments and will be given priority for promotions.

"This kind of incentive program has been introduced for the first time to improve health services in rural areas," said Minister Chaudhary. "We have separated quotas for ultra-rural, rural and Tarai areas."

According to the Ministry of Health, out of 25,239 medical posts in government hospitals and health centres, 2,722 are vacant.

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