Reconsider, rationalise MBBS bond policy- Doctors urge Haryana govt

Chandigarh: Amid medical students from government medical colleges in Haryana seeking clear guidelines on the Service Bond Policy, resident doctors' body has now urged the government to immediately review and rationalise the MBBS Compulsory Service Bond Policy.

In a letter to the Haryana CM, State Health Minister and Director, Medical Education & Research (DMER) on February 12, the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) informed about the detailed representation received from MBBS students of Government Medical Colleges of Haryana regarding the recently implemented bond policy.

The association clarified that the students are not opposed to serving the public healthcare system; instead, they fully acknowledge the State’s responsibility to strengthen healthcare delivery and appreciate the intent behind introducing a service-linked bond mechanism. However, as primary stakeholders in medical education and future healthcare providers, they have raised serious concerns requiring urgent policy reconsideration and rationalisation.

Also read- Haryana MBBS students demand clarity on bond service policy

Medical Dialogues previously reported that a group of MBBS students from Government Medical Colleges submitted a memorandum to the Haryana Assembly Committee and the Director of Medical Education and Research (DMER), Haryana, seeking clarity on the terms and conditions of the Service Bond Policy before giving their consent.

The students clarified that their move is not against the state government, but is meant to protect their right to have their concerns clearly addressed. The 17-point representation, submitted by students of the 2020–21 batch, raised concerns about the implementation of the newly imposed bond policy for their batch.

In their memorandum, the students requested that the government and DMER provide clear written clarifications on various aspects of the bond policy, including service conditions, salary structure, posting, medico-legal protection, postgraduate studies, bond exit mechanisms, and document-related issues. They also urged that no binding consent be taken from students until all doubts are formally clarified.

Coming in support of the students, the association highlighted the major concerns of the students, which include:

1. Excessive Duration of Bond (Five Years)

The association highlighted that students have humbly requested that the bond duration be reduced to one year. A prolonged five-year mandatory service period coincides with the most formative academic phase of a doctor’s career — the period dedicated to preparation for postgraduate entrance examinations and higher academic pursuits.

"Many states across India have adopted shorter service models ranging from one to two years, often combined with incentives rather than prolonged compulsory obligations. A rationalised duration would ensure better compliance, improved morale, and predictable workforce planning," said the association.

2. Financial Burden and Tripartite Bank Agreement

The current structure involving a high bond amount and tripartite agreement (Government–Student–Bank) places significant financial stress on young graduates at the very beginning of their careers, FORDA said. It stated that students have requested a reduction of the bond amount and removal of mandatory bank involvement, suggesting that enforcement mechanisms such as administrative safeguards may suffice without pushing students into early debt traps.

3. Operational Ambiguity and Lack of Clear Service Framework

According to the association, several crucial aspects remain undefined, including the nature of appointment (contractual/fixed tenure), salary structure and benefits (DA, HRA, leave, insurance, increments), posting mechanism and transparency, conditions for PG transition and resignation, grievance redressal mechanism, handling of overlapping PG bonds, recognition of bond tenure as valid clinical experience, policy regarding withholding of original MBBS degree.

"Students have specifically requested that binding consent be sought only after comprehensive operational guidelines are formally notified," the association said.

4. Moratorium and PG Aspirations

FORDA mentioned that the students had sought regarding the assured moratorium period after MBBS, status in case of delayed postings, and protection from academic or financial disadvantage due to administrative delays.

5. Safeguards and Working Conditions

FORDA strongly submits that if service bonds are to be implemented, they must be accompanied by transparent, merit-based postings through counselling, safe and supportive working environments, adequate infrastructure, fair and uniform remuneration equivalent to Grade-I Medical Officers, and time-bound grievance redressal mechanisms.

"Sir, young doctors form the backbone of the future healthcare system. Policies that are perceived as disproportionately restrictive or financially burdensome risk demoralising meritorious students and may inadvertently affect healthcare workforce sustainability in the long term," the association stated in the letter.

Following this, FORDA urged the state government to reconsider and rationalise the bond duration, review and reduce the bond amount, remove compulsory bank involvement, notify comprehensive operational guidelines before implementation and ensure fair working conditions and academic safeguards.

"We sincerely believe that a balanced, transparent, and student-sensitive policy will strengthen public healthcare while preserving the aspirations and morale of young medical graduates. We request your kind and compassionate intervention in this matter and would be grateful for an opportunity for stakeholder consultation to arrive at a mutually sustainable solution," FORDA added.

Similarly, the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) also wrote to the Haryana CM requesting revision and flexibility in the Service Bond Policy for the medical students.

FAIMA, as the apex body representing medical students and young medical professionals across India, stated that it recognises the vital importance of healthcare service to national development and deeply appreciates the government’s initiatives aimed at strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and ensuring adequate medical staffing in underserved areas.

However, after comprehensive consultation with their members and stakeholders, the association believe that certain provisions of the existing bond policy may inadvertently impede the professional growth, academic pursuits, and overall welfare of young aspiring doctors.

As a result, they sought consideration of the rigid duration of service, financial constraints, working conditions and incentives for the medical students of Haryana.

FAIMA has urged the government to reassess the service bond period to allow flexibility or reduction so that young doctors can pursue higher studies and specialization without unnecessary restrictions. The association also called for a review and reduction of the bond amount to reduce the financial burden on students from weaker economic backgrounds. Additionally, it demanded better working conditions, proper safety measures, and fair remuneration in line with the responsibilities given to young medical professionals.

Dialogue Between MBBS Students and Government on Bond Policy

After a gap of nearly three years, formal dialogue between MBBS students of Haryana’s government medical colleges and the State Government resumed regarding the implementation of the bond policy.

A meeting was held on February 11 at the DMER Office in Panchkula under the chairmanship of Director Medical Education and Research (DMER), Shri Yashendra Singh ji. Representing the student community, 12 student representatives from all four government medical colleges of Haryana participated in the discussion.

During the meeting, students formally submitted their detailed representation outlining key concerns related to the bond policy and its implementation. Among the major demands placed before the authorities were a reduction in the bond duration and bond amount, along with the removal of mandatory bank involvement in the bond execution process, which students believe places an additional financial burden on families. The delegation also emphasised that all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and service conditions should be clearly notified in writing before enforcing binding consent from students.

Several important issues were discussed, including the nature of appointment, salary structure, service conditions, PG-related provisions, document release, and other administrative aspects.

"Clarifications were provided on multiple points, and the DMER adopted a receptive and proactive approach in engaging with the concerns raised. It was conveyed that further discussions would continue in subsequent meetings to address remaining issues in detail," mentioned a press release.

Also read- Doctors' body demands clarity on bond policy for Haryana MBBS interns