Starting November 1, doctors at taluk hospitals and PHCs must clock in *after 9 PM*; yes, you read that right. The state’s using a mobile app with geofencing (think digital curfew) to verify they’re actually at their posts. No more excuses. By January 2027, salaries will depend on this app. Why now? The government says it’s about accountability; but critics wonder if it’s more about optics than outcomes. After all, how many rural doctors already live far from their hospitals? Will this push them to quit; or simply find workarounds? And what about patients who need care *after hours*? This isn’t just about attendance; it’s about trust, infrastructure, and whether tech can fix systemic gaps. One thing’s for sure: this rule might look small on paper… but it could reshape rural healthcare in Karnataka.