Andhra Revises Reservation Policy, reduces PG clinical quota for PHC doctors

Vijayawada: Modifying the reservation policy for the postgraduate medical admissions for 2025-2026, the Andhra Pradesh Government has reduced the quota for government doctors working in the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in clinical disciplines from 20% to 15%.

However, the quota for non-clinical disciplines remains unchanged from the previous year's policy. Therefore, the doctors working in the PHCs will get a 30% reservation if they get admitted to non-clinical branches.

The policy was revised by a six-member committee, including the Health Department Secretary. The committee revised the policy based on projected specialist requirements by 2028–29 and inputs from 2,288 PHC doctors across 1,144 centres.

Another key change that has been introduced is that the reserved seats for the PHC doctors will now be retained until the third round of counselling. Previously, these seats were reallocated after the second round. Meanwhile, the State has retained the previous eligibility for the PHC quota. A minimum of three years of PHC service is required to be eligible for PG admissions under this quota.

After this reservation policy change got the Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu's approval, it drew concern among PHC doctors over fewer opportunities in high-demand clinical specialities.

However, the State Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav said that the policy aims to balance healthcare system needs with the professional advancement of PHC doctors.

Also Read: NMC approval to 750 MBBS seats in 5 New Andhra Medical Colleges

As per the latest media report by The New Indian Express, under this new policy, 15% of PG seats in seven key clinical disciplines- General Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Anesthesia, Emergency Medicine, and Radiology- will be reserved for PHC doctors for the academic year 2025-2026. These fall under altogether 17 PG courses offered.

Meanwhile, 30% reservation for PHC doctors will apply for nine non-clinical subjects- including Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Forensic Medicine.

PHC doctors will also get 272 earmarked PG seats out of the 50% convenor quota seats in government and private medical colleges, 154 in clinical and 118 in non-clinical disciplines. Last year, 312 government doctors working in the PHCs had secured admissions under this quota.

Reacting to the new policy, the General Secretary of the APPHC Doctors Association, Dr DMR Krishna, expressed disappointment, while recalling that the clinical quota was previously raised to 20% after extensive discussions. He told TNIE, "If it is reduced to 15%, we will seek a review to safeguard the interests of PHC doctors."

Also Read: NTRUHS invites applications for MBBS Admissions 2025- All details here