Punjab set to recruit 1000 Medical Officers
Chandigarh: In a major boost to the state’s healthcare infrastructure, the Punjab Government has decided to recruit 1,000 Medical Officers (MBBS). The decision was revealed during a meeting held between Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Kumar Rahul, Director Health Services Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Director PHSC Dr. Anil Goyal, and representatives of the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA).
The association was briefed on several key developments following comprehensive discussions among Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, and Kumar Rahul. As part of efforts to strengthen security at health institutions, the Finance Department has approved the hiring of security guards through PESCO, an ex-servicemen organisation. Security personnel will be deployed round the clock at all District Hospitals, Sub-Divisional Hospitals, and Community Health Centres offering 24x7 medicolegal services. Morning-hour security coverage will be ensured at the remaining CHCs and Employees’ State Insurance hospitals. The proposal is expected to be formally sent to the Finance Department within the next few days, with approval likely in the next two to three weeks.
PCMSA has praised the government’s proactive response to the long-pending security concerns and expressed hope that adequate arrangements will be in place within a few weeks. In addition to recruitment and security measures, several administrative reforms were discussed. These include a speaking order on the rationalisation of postgraduate allowance for pre-2016 batches, early clearance of pending Modified Assured Career Progressions (MACPs), issuance of MACP letters for batches from 2020–21 onwards, and finalisation of the postgraduate policy by the end of the month. The letter regarding leave rules for Senior Medical Officers and above ranks has also been reverted, offering further relief to senior personnel.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that 2,500 doctors in the state started their agitation on January 20th, urging the government to fulfill its time-bound commitments. This came after talks between the finance department and the PCMSA, but no significant outcomes were achieved. Finally, with the new recruitment, PCMSA acknowledged these initiatives as crucial steps toward strengthening the healthcare delivery system.
