1,700 Medical Officer posts Insufficient, Rajasthan doctors push for expansion
Jaipur: Highlighting that only 1,700 medical officers are set to be recruited after a two-year gap, Rajasthan doctors have urged the government to increase the number of posts in the upcoming Medical Officer recruitment 2024 to at least 2550, calling the current figure inadequate to meet the healthcare needs.
Submitting a memorandum to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, the doctors under the banner of the United Doctors' Front (UDF) pointed out that this is the first medical officer recruitment after a gap of two years, and only 1,700 positions have been announced by the government. This number, they say, is too low given the healthcare demands and the previous government's promise of recruiting 3,000 medical officers annually.
Referring to past recruitments, the UDF stated that 2,000 posts were filled in 2021 and 1,765 in the following year. With over 2,500 posts currently lying vacant, the doctors' body said that recruiting only 1,700 doctors would not be enough to meet the needs of the public or provide fair opportunities to qualified medical graduates.
"With due respect, we would like to say that after a gap of two years, the recruitment process for medical officers is being conducted through RUHS, in which currently 1700 posts have been proposed for recruitment. The government had promised to recruit 3000 medical officers annually. In this context, considering the two-year gap, recruitment for only 1700 posts seems insufficient and falls short of the expectations of the general public as well as the aspiring young medical professionals.
Previously, in the year 2021, recruitment was done for 2000 posts, followed by another recruitment in the very next year for 1765 posts. It is expected from the present government that, in line with the Prime Minister’s guarantee and public expectations, the number of posts will be increased this time," the memorandum reads.
Further, the association stated that hospitals across both rural and urban areas are facing a serious shortage of doctors. "On one hand, the general public contributes to the government in the form of taxes, while on the other hand, their inability to access proper medical facilities on time is a matter of concern."
They further pointed out that according to a recent statement by the state Health Minister in the Assembly, filling 1700 posts will address about 66% of the current vacancies, indicating that over 2500 posts are presently vacant. In previous recruitments as well, the government filled the maximum number of vacant posts, leaving very few positions unfilled. "This has now become a tradition that deserving medical professionals are given ample opportunities," the UDF added.
"Therefore, I humbly request the Honorable Chief Minister to increase the number of posts in the upcoming Medical Officer recruitment from 1700 to at least 2550. This will not only strengthen the Prime Minister’s guarantee but also reinforce the state’s healthcare system and provide much-needed relief to the general public," concludes the memorandum.
Previously, in December 2024, the All Rajasthan MBBS Doctors' Association also urged the state government to increase the number of medical officer posts. It pointed out that due to the huge shortage of treating doctors, the common people are forced to get treatment from quacks. However, no development was seen in this regard.
Hoping that the government will now pay heed to their request, the UDF shared a post on 'X' and said, "Today UDF Rajasthan Secretary Dr. Vikas Milki, under the guidance of National President Dr. Lakshya Mittal. A memorandum was submitted to the Cabinet Minister of the Rajasthan Government, Hon'ble Dr. Kirori Lal Meena ji, to increase the number of posts in Medical Officer Recruitment 2024. The minister listened to the matter seriously and showed a positive attitude. Now there is a need to unite and take this demand forward more strongly."
