Haryana initiates process for framing bond policy for specialist doctors

Even as the row over the ‘Service Incentive Bond Policy’ for undergraduate (UG) medical courses remains unresolved, the Haryana Government has initiated the process of framing a bond policy for specialist doctors requiring them to opt for government service after completing postgraduate (PG) courses.The Directorate of Medical Education and Research Haryana (DMER) has convened a stakeholder consultation in Panchkula on March 17 to discuss the proposed policy. The directorate has also asked the Dean of Academic Affairs at Pt BD Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, and directors of all government medical and dental colleges to send representatives of MBBS/BDS interns, PG students and other stakeholders for the meeting.Confirming the development, SK Singhal, Director of Pt BD Sharma PGIMS, said the government was in the process of formulating a policy for doctors completing PG courses from government and government-aided medical and dental colleges in the state.A senior official of Pt BD Sharma University of Health Sciences, requesting anonymity, said the consultation process was part of the government’s effort to ensure that specialist doctors trained in state-run institutions contribute to public healthcare services, particularly in government hospitals where shortages of specialists are often reported.“After receiving feedback from stakeholders, the state government is expected to finalise the bond policy framework, which may define conditions related to mandatory government service or other obligations after completion of postgraduate medical education,” the official said.Meanwhile, the move has surprised MBBS graduates of the 2020-21 batch who have recently completed their course and are still seeking clarity on several clauses of the state ‘Service Incentive Bond Policy’.“Instead of addressing the concerns of the first batch graduating under the ‘Service Incentive bond policy’, the government has now initiated discussions on a PG bond policy. This raises serious questions about the planning and prioritisation behind these decisions. We are facing uncertainty regarding our jobs, career plans, and even access to our original documents,” said one MBBS graduate.A total of 595 MBBS graduates from the 2020-21 batch have completed their course at various government medical colleges across the state and are required to adhere to the bond policy that obligates them to serve in government health facilities.However, the graduates claim their original certificates and other essential documents remain with the medical colleges, creating complications as the application process for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination is open until March 31.“We cannot even complete the application forms because our documents are withheld. Some students who cleared the Haryana Civil Medical Services Medical Officer Examination have been asked to submit their permanent registration certificates from the Haryana Medical Council. Yet, they cannot do so because the colleges are not releasing the required documents,” the graduate added.The MBBS graduates have urged the state government to first resolve issues related to the UG bond policy and provide clear guidance before implementing new policies, stressing that addressing existing grievances should be the priority.

Haryana initiates process for framing bond policy for specialist doctors

MBBS graduates still await clarity on UG service norms

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Haryana initiates process for framing bond policy for specialist doctors

MBBS graduates still await clarity on UG service norms

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Unlock Premium Insights in This Article