Doctors' shortage: Punjab govt introduces bond policy for MBBS, BDS students
Patiala: In a move aimed at addressing shortage of doctors in government health institutions, the Punjab government has introduced a new bond policy for students enrolling in MBBS and BDS courses in state-run medical and dental colleges.
The policy, which will come into effect from the academic session 2025-26, mandates that students either serve in government healthcare facilities for two years after completing their degrees or pay a bond of ₹20 lakh.
The policy also applies to students admitted under the 'All-India quota', but their mandatory service period will be limited to one year.
'A service bond of ₹20,00,000 shall be applicable to students admitted under both state and All India quotas. The duration of the bond is one year for All India Quota students and two years for state quota students. The service period may be extended at the discretion of the government,' according to an order from the Punjab medical education department.
The government has stated that the new policy is designed to encourage MBBS graduates to join government service and help fill vacancies in rural and underserved areas, which are particularly affected by the shortage. Currently, around 1,962 posts of general medical officers (GMO) remain vacant out of 3,847 sanctioned posts.
While the policy targets the issue of doctor shortages, it highlights the broader problem in the state's medical infrastructure. Punjab has only four government medical colleges, which provide approximately 40% of the MBBS seats, while six private medical colleges account for the remaining 60%.
The state government had previously promised to establish 16 new government medical colleges over the course of its five-year tenure, but no new colleges have been built so far.
Govt defends policy
Health and medical education minister Dr Balbir Singh defended the policy, emphasising the need for more doctors, particularly in rural areas. 'Punjab needs doctors, especially in rural regions. We have been advertising for positions, but many MBBS graduates leave the government sector after just a few months. This bond policy will ensure that graduates serve for at least two years. They are studying with taxpayer money and it is their responsibility to contribute to society,' he said.
Medical associations, students oppose move
The policy has faced criticism from medical student associations and doctors' groups. The Medical Student Association (MSA), Punjab, strongly condemned the bond system, calling it a form of 'bonded labour' that would discourage high-ranking students from pursuing MBBS in Punjab's government colleges.
Dr Mehtab Bal, a member of the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) in Patiala, said: 'The government has failed to attract MBBS doctors to the public sector. Now, they are punishing deserving students, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds. This feels like an extortion tactic.'
The Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) also voiced its objections. Dr Nidhi Sharma Ahluwalia, spokesperson of the PCMSA, said: 'The MBBS course already has a mandatory one-year internship. Asking students to serve two additional years in government hospitals is unfair. The government should focus on improving recruitment processes and the working environment to address the doctor shortage.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Doctors' shortage: Punjab govt introduces bond policy for MBBS, BDS students
Patiala: In a move aimed at addressing shortage of doctors in government health institutions, the Punjab government has introduced a new bond policy for students enrolling in MBBS and BDS courses in state-run medical and dental colleges. The policy, which will come into effect from the academic session 2025-26, mandates that students either serve in government healthcare facilities for two years after completing their degrees or pay a bond of ₹20 lakh. The policy also applies to students admitted under the 'All-India quota', but their mandatory service period will be limited to one year. 'A service bond of ₹20,00,000 shall be applicable to students admitted under both state and All India quotas. The duration of the bond is one year for All India Quota students and two years for state quota students. The service period may be extended at the discretion of the government,' according to an order from the Punjab medical education department. The government has stated that the new policy is designed to encourage MBBS graduates to join government service and help fill vacancies in rural and underserved areas, which are particularly affected by the shortage. Currently, around 1,962 posts of general medical officers (GMO) remain vacant out of 3,847 sanctioned posts. While the policy targets the issue of doctor shortages, it highlights the broader problem in the state's medical infrastructure. Punjab has only four government medical colleges, which provide approximately 40% of the MBBS seats, while six private medical colleges account for the remaining 60%. The state government had previously promised to establish 16 new government medical colleges over the course of its five-year tenure, but no new colleges have been built so far. Govt defends policy Health and medical education minister Dr Balbir Singh defended the policy, emphasising the need for more doctors, particularly in rural areas. 'Punjab needs doctors, especially in rural regions. We have been advertising for positions, but many MBBS graduates leave the government sector after just a few months. This bond policy will ensure that graduates serve for at least two years. They are studying with taxpayer money and it is their responsibility to contribute to society,' he said. Medical associations, students oppose move The policy has faced criticism from medical student associations and doctors' groups. The Medical Student Association (MSA), Punjab, strongly condemned the bond system, calling it a form of 'bonded labour' that would discourage high-ranking students from pursuing MBBS in Punjab's government colleges. Dr Mehtab Bal, a member of the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) in Patiala, said: 'The government has failed to attract MBBS doctors to the public sector. Now, they are punishing deserving students, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds. This feels like an extortion tactic.' The Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) also voiced its objections. Dr Nidhi Sharma Ahluwalia, spokesperson of the PCMSA, said: 'The MBBS course already has a mandatory one-year internship. Asking students to serve two additional years in government hospitals is unfair. The government should focus on improving recruitment processes and the working environment to address the doctor shortage.'
The Print
13 hours ago
- The Print
Air India crash: Students & doctors suffered Rs 2.69 cr in losses, Gujarat govt to raise claim
Separately, Dr. Rakesh Joshi, superintendent of the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, told reporters that DNA samples of 208 deceased had been matched by Wednesday evening. Until now, 173 bodies were handed over to the families. In a statement Wednesday, the Gujarat government said that it is in the process of filing a police complaint about the same and that 'the state will claim compensation from Air India for hostel and property damages.' Mumbai: Ninety-seven medical students and junior doctors of the College suffered a cumulative personal loss of Rs 2.69 crore as the Air India flight AI-171 crashed into the hospital's hostel building in Ahmedabad. 'Fourteen more families are expected to come soon to receive the mortal remains of their loved ones,' Dr. Joshi said. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was carrying 242 passengers, including 12 crew members. Of these, only one passenger, a British national of Indian origin, miraculously escaped without any major injuries, while the rest died in the crash. Most of the bodies were damaged beyond recognition, necessitating DNA tests. Medical students and young doctors were having their lunch in the hostel mess when the plane tore into the hostel mess. The crash killed four MBBS students who were having lunch, while another 20 sustained injuries. Further, the plane crash also killed four family members of super speciality doctors residing in the Atulyam building. Additionally, the wife of one resident doctor was also injured. 173 bodies handed over to families, so far Giving a breakdown of the bodies handed over to the families, Dr. Joshi said 131 are Indian citizens, four are Portuguese, 30 are British nationals, and one is Canadian. Six others were not passengers on board the aircraft, but were casualties as the plane crashed at a site that had eight buildings, including the hostel building, residential buildings and a canteen. While there is still no official record of the toll as several bodies were recovered in parts, Dr. Dhaval Gameti, president of the junior doctors' association at the College, had on Saturday pegged the number at 270. In its statement Wednesday, the Gujarat government said the crash had injured 71 who were rushed to the hospital within a few hours of the disaster and given treatment. Six were OPD patients, while 65 needed hospital care. One of the injured died on the day of the crash itself (12 June, Thursday). Later, two others died Sunday and Tuesday. Of the remaining 68 injured, 49 have been discharged while 19 remain under treatment. Seven are admitted to the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, while the rest are in private hospitals. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: The crash, the rescue & aftermath—Inside the first 36 hours at ground zero of Air India crash
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
14 hours ago
- Business Standard
Gujarat govt to seek ₹2.70 cr from Air India for property loss in crash
The Gujarat government will demand ₹2.70 crore from Air India to cover the loss of resident doctors' belongings after a London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad last week, a state minister said on Wednesday. However, no decision has yet been taken on compensation for those killed on the ground, including four MBBS students, said Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, who also serves as the state government's spokesperson. Air India flight AI171, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed into the hostel and canteen of B J Medical College in the Meghaninagar area shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on 12 June. The crash killed 241 people on board and 29 individuals on the ground. 'As per our assessment, properties (personal belongings) of ₹2.70 crore of resident doctors (who used to live in the hostel at the time of plane crash) were damaged. We will claim that from Air India,' he said. Patel also clarified that the state government is not involved in the ongoing investigation. 'The Ministry of Civil Aviation along with various other central government agencies are probing the plane crash and the state government does not have any role in the ongoing investigation,' he said.
