New Delhi:
Delhi has ended its service bond-free status, announcing that from this academic year onwards, both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) medical students will be required to serve the government for one year after completing their MBBS, MD, or MS courses. This move has faced significant opposition from medical professionals in Delhi, who have expressed their dissatisfaction and called for either the revocation or regularization of the bond policy.
Mandatory Service Bond for MBBS/MD/MS Graduates
In a Gazette notification released in September 2024, the Delhi Government mandated that all UG and PG students must serve medical institutions under the Government of National Capital Territory (GNCT) of Delhi for one year after completing their courses. Failure to comply would result in forfeiting the Rs 15 lakh bond for undergraduate students and Rs 20 lakh for postgraduate students, which had been submitted during their admissions.
Additionally, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University recently informed that both MBBS and postgraduate medical students will now be bound by a one-year service obligation, including the internship period.
Medical Education Activists Criticize the Bond Policy
Dr. Rohan Krishnan, a medical education activist and Chief Patron of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), criticized the bond policy, calling it “laughable” and “hilarious.” He argued that Delhi, as the national capital, attracts a significant number of doctors, and forcing them to work there through a bond policy makes little sense. He further emphasized that doctors are already eager to work in Delhi, making the policy unnecessary and counterproductive.
He also expressed concern over how this policy would affect students from other states who come to Delhi for medical training and internships, urging the Delhi Government to reconsider the decision.
Opposition from the United Doctors Front (UDF)
The United Doctors Front (UDF) strongly condemned the Delhi Government’s move, calling it the “worst policy decision” of recent times. Dr. Lakshya Mittal, National President of UDF, criticized the decision, noting that the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have already recommended the abolition of bond policies. Dr. Mittal argued that imposing such a policy would demoralize young doctors, especially when India’s medical education system faces systemic challenges.
Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) Demands Abolition
Dr. Meet Ghonia, Secretary of the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA), also voiced opposition, calling for the complete abolition of bond policies nationwide. He pointed out that while many states have bond policies in place, the introduction of a one-year service bond in Delhi is a backward step that needs to be addressed by the NMC to establish a uniform policy across the country.
Indian Medical Association (IMA) Criticizes the Policy
Dr. Indranil Deshmukh, National Secretary of the IMA Junior Doctors’ Network (IMA-JDN), echoed the sentiment, stressing that mandatory service bonds for medical graduates and postgraduates exploit young doctors. He emphasized that such policies infringe on career freedom and suggested that governments should focus on providing better incentives and dignified working conditions instead of imposing coercive bonds.
National Medical Commission’s Stance
Despite the opposition, a senior official from the Ministry of Health explained that service bond policies are within the jurisdiction of state governments, and while the NMC has recommended against such policies, the final decision rests with the states. The NMC, however, continues to push for reforms to improve the medical education system and reduce disparities among states.
Service Bond Policies Across India
The service bond policy is currently in effect in several states across India, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and others, with varying penalties and service durations. Some states impose a bond service of up to five years, while others have a shorter duration, such as two to three years.
Concerns Over Mental Health and Career Choices
Critics argue that such service bond policies have negative effects on the mental health of students and may drive them away from states with strict policies. Some experts believe that introducing such bonds increases the total duration of medical education and limits career flexibility for young doctors.
