Chandigarh: In a major breach of service bond rules, 31 specialist doctors who completed their postgraduate medical education under the Punjab government quota have left government service without completing the mandatory 10-year tenure or paying the Rs 50 lakh bond amount.
Doctors Skipped Bonded Service Despite Subsidised Education
These doctors were beneficiaries of subsidised education under the Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) quota, which mandates a decade-long government service post-PG completion. Each candidate is required to sign an indemnity bond agreeing to pay a penalty of Rs 50 lakh if they fail to serve.
However, none of the 31 doctors who exited prematurely have paid the penalty, violating the bond terms.
District-Wise Breakdown of Defaulters
According to reports (Times of India), the district-wise distribution of these cases includes:
- Sangrur, Ludhiana – 4 doctors each
- Kapurthala, Mansa, Faridkot – 3 doctors each
- Mohali, Tarn Taran, Ropar – 2 doctors each
- Bathinda, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Barnala – 1 doctor each
These resignations were submitted without obtaining the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the department — a certificate issued only after bond clearance, making the resignations unauthorised.
Government Moves to Enforce Bond: Licences May Be Cancelled
Taking a serious view of the violations, the Punjab Health Department has instructed civil surgeons to issue 21-day notices to the defaulting doctors, demanding immediate bond payment.
“If they fail to comply, the department will approach the Punjab Medical Council and other regulatory bodies to revoke their medical licences,” an official stated.
Strict Eligibility and Selection Norms Ignored
Under PCMS rules, only in-service doctors with minimum experience — two years (or one year in select cases) — are eligible for PG or super-specialty courses. Applicants undergo strict verification, including rural postings and inquiry clearances, before the Directorate of Health Services approves their candidacy.
PCMSA President Backs Enforcement, Calls for Systemic Reforms
Speaking to Ani, Dr Akhil Sarin, President of the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), supported the government’s stance:
“Doctors availing PG education under government quota have a professional and moral duty to serve the public. Violating the bond disrupts the health system and wastes public investment.”
Dr Sarin also highlighted systemic issues like pay parity and poor work conditions, urging the government to address these concerns for better retention and discipline.
“As Punjab grapples with rising vacancies and attrition in its public health system, enforcing the bond will send a strong message of accountability and reaffirm the state’s focus on health service delivery,” he added.
