Patiala: The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Government Medical College (GMC), Patiala, in coordination with the Medical Student Association (MSA), Punjab, has strongly condemned the Punjab government’s recent corrigendum announcing a fee hike and a Rs 20 lakh bond policy for MBBS and BDS students for the academic session 2025–26.
The notification, issued on June 13, 2025, has sparked widespread protests across the state’s medical colleges, with students and doctors terming the policy “exploitative” and “insensitive,” especially towards aspirants from economically weaker backgrounds.
“A Betrayal of Medical Aspirants”
In a press statement, the RDA Patiala said,
“With fees soaring to Rs. 2.49 lakh annually for government quota students and Rs. 14.94 lakh for management quota, and a mere Rs. 15,000 stipend—the lowest in the region—the government seems to be crushing the aspirations of future doctors. Our repeated requests for dialogue have gone unheard. This isn’t just unfair—it’s a betrayal.”
The association emphasized that such a policy makes medical education unaffordable, adds mental stress, and may drive brain drain from the state.
Interns, Residents Unite Amid Stipend Disparity
An intern doctor, speaking anonymously, said:
“Interns had earlier paused protests after officials promised action post-elections. But the bond notification was a slap in the face. Our stipends are among the lowest, while the fee is among the highest. This isn’t sustainable.”
RDA and interns across Punjab have now announced joint protests, demanding an increase in stipend and rollback of the new bond system.
Students Meet Punjab Health Minister, Demand Rollback
Following the release of the notification, representatives from MSA Punjab met with Punjab Health and Medical Education Minister Dr. Balbir Singh at GMC Amritsar. During the meeting, students conveyed the emotional, academic, and financial toll the new policy would impose and called for immediate revocation.
Background: The Controversial Bond Policy
As previously reported, the Punjab Government’s new bond policy mandates that students admitted to state-run MBBS and BDS colleges must either serve two years in government healthcare institutions post-graduation or pay a penalty of Rs 20 lakh. The move is intended to address doctor shortages in rural areas, but student groups argue that it shifts the burden entirely onto young graduates without providing adequate incentives or infrastructure.
Future of Protests
The RDA also raised concerns over possible increases in MD/MS fees and bond obligations, even as stipends remain stagnant.
“We’ve met the Vice-Chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, and shared our grievances. But nothing has changed,” the RDA said.
The association announced its intention to intensify protests in the coming days and appealed to the public, media, and national health authorities for support.
Demands from RDA & MSA Punjab
- Immediate rollback of the June 13 corrigendum.
- Increase in stipends for interns and residents to match neighboring states.
- Transparent dialogue with the Health Minister and stakeholders.
- No additional bond or fee hike for PG medical education.
The growing unrest among medical students and residents signals an urgent need for government dialogue to address the crisis and ensure equitable access to medical education.
