Punjab Introduces Rs 20 lakh Bond Policy for MBBS, BDS Admissions - Video

Amid the ongoing protests by the MBBS interns and resident doctors demanding a stipend hike, the Punjab Government has now introduced a new bond policy for students getting enrolled into the MBBS and BDS courses in the State-run medical and dental colleges to tackle the shortage of doctors in government health institutes.

Under the new bond policy, which will come into force from the academic session 2025-2026, students getting admitted to government medical/dental institutes will either have to serve in government healthcare facilities for two years after completing their courses or pay a bond penalty of Rs 20 lakh.

Even though the State has made this bond policy applicable to the All-India-quota students as well, in their case, the duration of mandatory service will be limited to one year, instead of two years like the State quota students.

While the State Government has defended the policy, citing a shortage of doctors in rural areas, the policy has been criticised by the medical students' associations and doctors.