Punjab deploys 138 doctors on emergency duty amid flood crisis without formal appointment

In response to the urgent need for medical aid in flood-affected areas, the Punjab Government has deployed 138 newly recruited doctors on 15-day emergency duty, even before issuing them formal appointment and joining letters. These doctors are part of a pool of nearly 1,000 candidates who cleared the recruitment test conducted by Baba Farid University of Health Sciences on June 3. They were shortlisted based on merit, and their documents were verified by the university on July 4. However, their appointment letters from Health Department have remained pending for the past three months.

The doctors were initially scheduled to receive their letters from the Chief Minister today at Punjab Municipal Bhawan, Chandigarh. However, the event was cancelled late last night, citing the CM’s engagement in flood control and rescue operations.

In light of the crisis, Health Department Principal Secretary Kumar Rahul issued urgent orders on Monday, directing 138 of these doctors to report to civil surgeons in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Khadoor Sahib, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Abohar for immediate flood-relief duties. The move comes as flood-hit regions face pressure, with an acute need for medical staff to prevent disease outbreaks and ensure timely treatment for affected residents.

According to sources in Health Department, besides these 138 doctors, another 184 will soon receive appointment letters through the offices of their respective civil surgeons. “All these doctors need not travel to Chandigarh for their letters; they will be issued locally by the concerned civil surgeons,” a senior official said on condition of anonymity.