Karnataka Govt to Replace Medical Health Officers with Engineers in Civic Bodies

The Karnataka Urban Development Department has issued a controversial order to effectively abolish the post of Medical Health Officer (MHO) in all municipal corporations across the state, excluding the Greater Bengaluru Authority (formerly BBMP). Under this new directive, the critical responsibilities of MHOs – traditionally held by qualified doctors – will be transferred to Superintendent Engineers or Executive Engineers (Environment).

This move shifts the oversight of public health, sanitation, and disease control from medical professionals to engineering staff. While the government has not provided a detailed technical rationale, the decision fundamentally changes how civic bodies manage health crises. Engineers will now be tasked with duties that include monitoring food safety, hygiene in public establishments, and managing sanitation workers, roles previously anchored in medical expertise.

The decision has triggered immediate backlash from the medical fraternity, former mayors, and councilors. Critics argue that environmental engineers lack the clinical knowledge required to handle public health emergencies, such as outbreaks of dengue, cholera, or food poisoning. Medical associations contend that replacing doctors with engineers is “unscientific” and poses a significant risk to urban health governance, particularly during epidemic situations where medical guidance is indispensable.

1 min read January 26, 2026