Punjab: 31 specialist doctors skip bond service, fail to pay Rs 50 lakh penalty

These doctors had availed subsidised education under the Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) quota, which requires a 10-year service commitment post-completion of the course.

Under this scheme, between 50 to 100 medical officers are annually offered government-sponsored postgraduate seats, subject to signing an indemnity bond. The bond binds them to serve the state for a decade after finishing their course, failing which they are liable to pay the stipulated penalty. However, none of the doctors who recently left service have deposited the bond amount.

According to the Times of India, district-wise data reveals that Sangrur and Ludhiana each saw four such resignations, while Kapurthala, Mansa, and Faridkot reported three each. Mohali, Tarn Taran, and Ropar each saw two doctors quitting, while one doctor each left from Bathinda, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, and Barnala.

These exits were made without the required no-objection certificate (NOC) that the department only issues after bond submission. This is considered a serious violation and is likely to attract both financial recovery proceedings and the cancellation of medical registrations.

Taking note of the growing number of such violations, the Punjab Health Department has instructed civil surgeons in the concerned districts to serve 21-day notices to the defaulting doctors, demanding immediate deposit of the bond amount. If the doctors fail to comply, the department plans to request the Punjab Medical Council and other regulatory bodies to revoke their medical licences.

According to the department's norms, only serving PCMS or PCMS (dental) doctors with at least two years of service or one year in certain cases are eligible to apply for postgraduate or super-specialty programs. Eligibility is verified through service records, rural postings, and inquiry clearance, after which the Directorate of Health Services recommends their names for higher studies and issues eligibility certificates.

Talking to Medical Dialogues, Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) president Dr Akhil Sarin said the government is well within its rights to enforce the terms of the service bond. “Doctors who pursue education under the government quota for post-graduation must honour their professional and moral obligation to serve the public health system. Terms are clear, and respecting the bond ensures that quality health services reach the people of Punjab,” he stated.

He added that if doctors suddenly decide to leave their jobs, it will directly affect the state's investment in medical education, especially in underserved regions. The association has also urged the government to take note of systemic issues like pay parity and work conditions to improve long-term retention, along with taking steps to ensure discipline for medical professionals. “As Punjab's public health infrastructure continues to strain under the weight of vacancies and attrition, the enforcement of bond obligations may serve as both a deterrent and a signal of the government's renewed focus on accountability and service delivery,” he added.