The Delhi government's recently introduced policy mandating medical students to serve for one year in the city after graduation has ignited a wave of protest among doctors and medical associations. The policy, aimed at ensuring sufficient healthcare professionals in the capital, has been met with sharp criticism, with many calling it "forced labor" and likening it to "enslavement."
The new service bond applies to students graduating from both All India Quota and State Quota undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Under the policy, medical graduates are required to work in Delhi for one year before they can seek employment elsewhere or pursue higher specializations. Doctors argue that this infringes on their right to choose their workplace and specialty.
Similar service bond policies exist in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, where doctors must serve for 10 years, with non-compliance penalties reaching up to ₹1 crore. Despite protests, the Supreme Court has upheld such policies, advocating for a uniform framework to address doctor shortages across the country.
The medical community's demands include the complete removal of the mandatory service bond policy, the freedom for doctors to choose their workplace and medical specialty, and alternative strategies to address doctor shortages. These alternatives could involve incentivizing voluntary rural service rather than enforcing service through bonds.
On the other hand, the Delhi government maintains that the policy is essential to ensuring an adequate supply of healthcare professionals within the city. It argues that the bond duration is justified, as it compensates for the substantial investment the government makes in medical education. Officials also stress that the policy is aimed at improving public healthcare services in a region with rising patient demand and limited staff.
According to edexLive reports, the standoff between medical professionals and the government shows no signs of easing. Many doctors have threatened to launch protests and strikes if the policy is not scrapped. Tensions continue to rise as the medical community demands their voices be heard, while the government insists that such measures are crucial for strengthening the healthcare system in Delhi.