Archive · 25 May 2025
Punjab Struggles to Retain Doctors Despite Fresh Recruitment Drive
Punjab needs more doctors to help people in hospitals, but it's hard to get them to stay.
Even though they're trying to hire more doctors, not many want to come work in Punjab.
One big reason is that the pay isn't as good as in some other places.
Plus, doctors sometimes have to do extra jobs, like security or post-mortem duties, which can make them unhappy.
The government is trying to fix this by offering better chances for doctors to move up in their careers and make the jobs more attractive, but experts are worried if these changes will be enough to fill all the positions.
Punjab is attempting to recruit 1,000 medical officers to address the doctor shortage.
Past recruitment drives drew tepid responses, raising doubts about attracting and retaining medical talent.
Nearly 50% of sanctioned medical officer posts are vacant.
Low salaries and unfavorable working conditions are cited as reasons for the poor response.
The state is implementing measures to make government medical services more appealing.
- Who
- The Punjab government, doctors, and medical experts.
- What
- Punjab is trying to hire doctors, but faces challenges in attracting and retaining them.
- When
- The recruitment drive is currently in motion.
- Where
- Punjab, India
- Why
- The state has a shortage of doctors in government hospitals and needs to fill vacant positions.
Doctors and Experts
Government
Pay Disparity
Doctors and Experts
Experts suggest the state's pay is significantly lower, with entry-level salaries below the central and Haryana scales, making the state less attractive.
Government
The government is making consistent efforts to recruit new doctors and paramedics, including reinstating schemes and hiring security personnel.
Working Conditions
Doctors and Experts
Doctors are frequently deployed for VVIP duties, causing dissatisfaction and disruptions in routine roles. They are also burdened with emergency and post-mortem duties, adding to their workload.
Government
The government is introducing measures to strengthen public healthcare, including a revised postgraduate policy and the revival of the assured career progression scheme.
- Vacant Posts
- 2,952
- Entry-Level Salary
- Rs 53,100
- Filled MO (General) Posts
- 1,885
- Filled MO (Specialist) Posts
- 1,108
- Overall Vacancy Rate
- 50%