6 Doctors at Bathinda Govt Hospital resigns in less than two months citing personal reasons

The doctors, all of whom have cited ‘family reasons’ for their resignations, are currently serving a three-month notice period. Despite these resignations, Dr Tejwant Singh Dhillon, Civil Surgeon, Bathinda assured that there is no shortage of doctors in Bathinda.  

“Dr. Satish Jindal, the SMO at the Women and Children Hospital in Bathinda, along with five other medical officers (MOs), have submitted their resignations over the past two months, and are presently on their notice period. They have all listed family reasons in their resignation letters,” confirmed Dr Tejwant Singh Dhillon, Civil Surgeon, Bathinda, in a conversation with The Indian Express. He mentioned that three doctors who were on leave to complete their postgraduate studies have returned and rejoined different hospitals. A gynecologist has joined the Civil Hospital in Rampura Phul and another in Rama Mandi, while an ophthalmologist has been appointed at the Talwandi Sabo hospital.  

However, sources suggest that beyond family reasons, many doctors are feeling overwhelmed by the workload in the public health system and are resigning for better opportunities in private practice. Notably, voluntary retirement is typically sought after a minimum of 20 years of service, but most of the resigning doctors have less than 20 years of experience. 

According to the Daily, a similar exodus was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, with about 10 doctors resigning in Bathinda. Commenting on the recent wave of resignations, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, a four-time Member of Parliament from Bathinda, warned that the mass departure of medical officers from the health department could severely impact healthcare services in the district. She urged the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government to ensure the posting of an adequate number of medical officers in the region to maintain the delivery of healthcare services.

“It is a cause of worry that health officers are resigning from government jobs due to discrimination and indifferent attitude of the AAP government. If such a trend continues, then a day will not be far when the health department will face severe shortage of medical officers to provide health services to people,” Harsimrat added.  

She further added, “It is most unfortunate to see that under the tenure of a government, which had come to power on issues of health and education, both these sectors were the worst sufferers.”