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Punjab has made it compulsory for MBBS and BDS students in its government medical and dental colleges to serve a bond period after graduation. The move comes in response to the growing shortage of doctors in rural and underserved areas.
What is the Policy
Starting from the 2025–26 academic session, every MBBS and BDS student in government colleges will be required to serve in government-run health facilities after completing their degree, with a focus on rural and underserved regions.
Both State and All India Quota students will fall under this policy. Those admitted through the All India Quota must serve a one-year term, while students admitted through the State Quota are expected to complete a two-year term. Students who opt out of this bond will have to pay a penalty of ₹20 lakh.
Why the Government Introduced It
The government says the bond is intended to address the shortage of doctors and encourage graduates to join public service roles, particularly in areas where the impact is most visible.
According to reports, over 50% of general medical officer posts in the state remain vacant. Out of 3,847 approved medical officer posts in Punjab, nearly 1,962 remain vacant.
The Punjab Medical Education Department has issued an official order outlining the policy and penalties. The government has also kept the option open to extend the bond duration if it deems necessary.
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh defended the policy, saying, “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.” He added that students study with taxpayer money, and it’s their responsibility to contribute to society.
Opposition from Students and Associations
The move has faced strong opposition from both students and medical bodies.
The Medical Association of Punjab called it a form of bonded labour that could discourage students from taking admission in government colleges in the state.
While the bond aims to address doctor shortages, critics say it highlights a deeper issue: Punjab’s failure to strengthen its medical infrastructure. The government had earlier promised 16 new medical colleges, but currently, only four government colleges exist, accounting for just 40% of MBBS seats. The remaining 60% of seats are with six private medical colleges.
The Punjab Civil Medical Services Association also voiced concern. Dr. Nidhi Sharma Ahluwalia pointed out that “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.”
Students have already been protesting low stipends for months. So far, no initiative has been taken on that front. Meanwhile, the government has hiked medical college fees by 5% and introduced this bond policy, further aggravating tensions.
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.
Dr. Mehtab Bal, Member of the Resident Doctors’ Association, Patiala
What Lies Ahead
Several states already have similar service bond policies in place, with Punjab now joining the list. Delhi had also announced a similar bond requirement for MBBS students in its government colleges earlier this year. With more states leaning toward such measures, it remains to be seen how students respond—and whether these policies truly help bridge the healthcare gap in public health systems.
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Pooja Bansal/MSM)
