4,300 MBBS graduates vie for 1,000 govt posts

More than 4,300 MBBS graduates have applied for 1,000 posts of doctor being filled by the state government through Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), Faridkot.

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This surge in interest among doctors for government job follows years of staff shortage in government hospitals across the state. Many health centres, especially in rural areas, have been operating without any regular doctor.

Written test tomorrow

The current recruitment drive is said to be the largest in decades

A written test is scheduled to be held on June 3

The applications were sought from April 25 to May 22

The current recruitment drive is said to be the largest in decades, with a written test scheduled for June 3. The applications were sought from April 25 to May 22.

Speaking to The Tribune, Dr Rajeev Sood, Vice-Chancellor of BFUHS, said, “In all, 1,000 vacant posts of MBBS doctor will be filled this time. We have over 4,300 applicants, and over 3,300 candidates will be placed on the waiting list.”

When it comes to the government service, the reluctance among specialists highlights a growing disparity between general practitioners and postgraduates.

For instance, despite signing indemnity bonds worth Rs 15 lakh and committing to two-year government service, several fresh MD/MS graduates did not join their posts. In March, the state Health Department posted 12 specialist doctors at civil hospitals in Muktsar and Gidderbaha, but only three reported on duty.

A fresh postgraduate doctor said, “Specialists are mostly unwilling to join government service due to several factors, including better pay and perks in the private sector, heavy workload in government hospitals, lack of career growth, administrative burden and rural postings. On the other hand, fresh MBBS graduates have limited immediate opportunities, a desire for clinical exposure, and are attracted by the job security of government service.”