CM to distribute appointment letters to 1,000 doctors on September 1

Ending weeks of anxiety among newly recruited doctors, the Punjab Government has announced that appointment letters for Medical Officers (PCMS cadre) will be distributed on September 1. The chief minister will hand over the joining letters at a special ceremony scheduled at Punjab Municipal Bhawan, Sector 35A, Chandigarh.

The announcement comes just a week after The Tribune highlighted the inordinate delay in issuing letters, which had left hundreds of selected candidates frustrated. The PCMS recruitment exam was held on June 3, and Baba Farid University of Health Sciences completed document verification of 1,738 shortlisted candidates on July 4. The list included 1,017 candidates from the general category, 348 Scheduled Castes, 191 Backward Classes, 19 from the Economically Weaker Section, and others. Of these, 1,000 doctors were to be appointed, but the process stalled for nearly two months awaiting final approval from the CM’s office.

The delay had sparked protests and repeated appeals from aspirants, with the PCMS Association pressing the Health Department to expedite the process. Many young doctors said the uncertainty had left them demoralised even as government hospitals continued to face severe staff shortages.

According to an official communication from the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, specific officers have now been deputed to ensure smooth conduct of the September 1 programme. Senior officials from the department will also be present at the event.

Welcoming the move, Dr Dilrajdeep Singh Toor, one of the selected doctors, said, “This is the biggest recruitment drive for medical officers in Punjab. It will not only provide career opportunities to young doctors but also strengthen the public health infrastructure, especially in rural areas.”

The Health Department said the induction of these doctors will play a crucial role in improving medical services across Punjab’s hospitals and primary health centres.