Civil surgeons directed to prepare comprehensive list of URMPs as government explores regulated framework for basic healthcare services amid shortage of qualified doctors
The Punjab Government has directed all civil surgeons across the state to prepare a comprehensive list of unregistered medical practitioners (URMPs) as part of a proposed initiative to bring the informal healthcare sector under a regulated framework.
The move comes amid a persistent shortage of qualified doctors in Punjab, particularly in rural areas, where hundreds of posts remain vacant at community health centres (CHCs), primary health facilities and other government institutions. As a result, a large section of the rural population continues to depend on informal practitioners for first-contact healthcare.
Officials estimate that at least one lakh unregistered medical practitioners may be operating across the state. The government has said the exercise is aimed at identifying these practitioners, assessing their qualifications and experience and subsequently providing them with state-run training.
Punjab Government Plans Training for Unregistered Practitioners
“Regulation is the core objective. We will collect the data and provide them training according to their qualifications,” said state Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh, as reported by Hindustan Times.
According to the minister, the government would first provide training to such practitioners, and those who complete it would be allowed to provide basic healthcare services or practise within a proposed framework.
District health authorities have been asked to collect detailed information on unregistered practitioners, including their educational qualifications, clinical experience and history of practice.
The practitioners are also required to submit a self-declaration proforma, attested by their local sarpanch or municipal councillor, expressing their willingness to undergo government training.
Health Department Issues Reminders to Civil Surgeons
The Health Department has already issued two reminders to civil surgeons to speed up the data-collection exercise, indicating that the government intends to move towards establishing a formal regulatory framework.
A senior Health Department official said the government is expected to approach the Punjab Medical Education and Research Department to develop specialised training modules once details of eligible practitioners have been compiled.
Medical Fraternity Raises Concerns Over Quackery
The proposal has triggered strong opposition among sections of the medical fraternity and public health experts, who fear that training and subsequently permitting unregistered practitioners to provide healthcare could amount to institutionalising quackery.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, former civil surgeon Dr Daler Singh Multani warned that the decision could adversely affect healthcare standards in the state.
“These are quacks, and the government will promote quackery by registering them and allowing them to practise,” Dr Multani said. He alleged that such practitioners have contributed to maternal deaths, the spread of Hepatitis C and HIV, and female foeticide.
Dr Multani further argued that medical science is a highly intellectual profession and that a few months of training should not be considered sufficient to allow an unqualified person to practise medicine.
Government Says Practitioners Will Have Defined Scope
Dr Balbir Singh said those who undergo training would be permitted to perform only services that fall within their prescribed scope.
The government would also establish clear boundaries for the procedures they could undertake and the conditions they could manage, the minister said.
The proposed framework is now dependent on the completion of the state-wide data-collection exercise and subsequent development of training modules and regulatory guidelines.