On 30 January 2025, the Tamil Nadu Resident Doctors Association submitted a request to the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) to reduce their bond penalty from Rs 40 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs and also reduce the bond service from 2 years to 1 year.
Aside from these requests, the association urged the authorities that bond postings should be issued within 1-3 months of course completion and also solicited for the release of original certificates if bond postings are delayed beyond 3 months.
This move follows a Government Order issued on October 27, 2023, which had already reduced the bond period from two to one year and the bond amount from Rs 40 lakh to Rs 20 lakh for the 2023 batch. However, the Health Department can review and consider the enforcement of the two-year bond condition every year based on the requirement and number of vacancies.
This Government Order along with earlier recommendations has set a precedent for reducing the bond period and bond amount, which we request to be extended to the 2024 batch of NSPGsTamil Nadu Resident Doctors Association
What are the challenges, the resident doctors face due to this current bond penalty?
Financial burden: The high bond amount, ranging from Rs 40 lakh to Rs 80 lakh, is unattainable for many young doctors, thus creating significant financial stress for young doctors.[1]
Career limitations: The mandatory bond service period of 2-3 years prohibits doctors from pursuing their higher education or specialization immediately after their graduation.[2]
Mental Health Concerns: The pressure of fulfilling bond obligations or facing hefty penalties creates greater stress affecting the mental well-being of resident doctors.[3]
Dr Rohan Krishna, the National Chairman of the Federation of All India Medical Association pointed out how the issue of seat leaving penalty puts pressure on medical students and opined that there should be a free exit.
Difficulty in career transitions: The bond policies restrict the doctors from leaving their positions even if they have genuine reasons such as health crises, financial constraints, family emergencies, or not getting their aspired career position.[2]
Retention of Original Documents: Some institutions may withhold their original certificates until the bond amount is paid thus restricting them from moving to their higher education pursuits.
These challenges collectively impact the professional growth, personal well-being, and job satisfaction of resident doctors leading to calls for reform or abolition of this bond policy system.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Ansila/MSM)