Archive · 19 Sep 2025
IMA Seeks Rollback of Punjab MBBS Admission Rule
The Punjab government is making medical students promise to work in government hospitals after they graduate, or pay a fine.
To get into medical school, students must now promise to pay a large amount of money if they don't work in the government healthcare system for at least two years.
They must also have their parents pledge two properties as collateral.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), a group of doctors, wants this rule changed.
They say it's too expensive and stressful for students and their families, especially those who aren't wealthy.
They also worry it could make fewer good students want to study medicine in Punjab.
Punjab government introduced a bond policy requiring MBBS students to serve in government facilities for two years or pay Rs 20 lakh.
Parents must pledge two properties as surety for their children's admission.
IMA demands the immediate rollback of the policy, citing financial and mental distress for students.
Medical colleges have started issuing notices, setting deadlines for bond submission.
The policy is intended to address the shortage of doctors in government facilities.
- Who
- Indian Medical Association (IMA), Punjab government, medical colleges, and parents.
- What
- IMA is demanding the rollback of a new policy requiring students to pledge property for MBBS admissions.
- When
- The rule was notified in June, with deadlines for submitting the bond in late September.
- Where
- Punjab, specifically at government medical colleges.
- Why
- IMA believes the policy creates financial and mental distress for students and is not an effective solution for doctor shortages.
IMA's Perspective
Punjab Government's Perspective
Financial Burden
IMA's Perspective
The policy places an excessive financial burden on students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Punjab Government's Perspective
The policy aims to address the shortage of doctors in government facilities, which is critical for public health.
Effectiveness
IMA's Perspective
The policy is not an effective solution to the doctor shortage problem and could lead to a 'brain drain.'
Punjab Government's Perspective
The policy is seen as a way to ensure doctors serve in government facilities after graduation.
Impact on Aspirants
IMA's Perspective
The stringent conditions, including property sureties, are likely to dissuade top-ranking students from choosing Punjab’s medical colleges.
Punjab Government's Perspective
The government aims to ensure that the investment in medical education benefits the public by increasing the availability of doctors in government facilities.
- Policy:
- Mandatory service bond for MBBS admissions.
- Bond Amount:
- Rs 20 lakh.
- Surety:
- Pledging two properties/lands.
- IMA's Stance:
- Demands immediate rollback.
- Reason for Policy:
- Address doctor shortage in government facilities.
- Colleges Affected:
- Government Medical Colleges in Amritsar, Patiala, Mohali, Faridkot and dental colleges.
- Deadline for Bond Submission:
- September 19 (at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Faridkot), September 20 (at Government Medical College, Patiala), and September 26 (at Government Medical College, Patiala - extended)