Punjab's Public Health Crisis: Newly Hired Doctors Fail to Report for Duty
In a significant setback to Punjab's efforts to bolster its public healthcare system, the state is grappling with a familiar and persistent issue. More than a month after appointment letters were distributed, numerous newly selected medical officers have not yet commenced their duties. This delay underscores Punjab's ongoing struggle to attract and retain qualified medical professionals within its government-run hospitals.
Recruitment Drive Hits a Snag
To address the critical shortage of doctors, the Punjab health department launched a phased recruitment initiative aimed at hiring 1,000 medical officers in the general category. As part of this ongoing drive, selections were conducted through Baba Farid University of Health Sciences in Faridkot. On January 29, appointment letters were issued to 170 eligible candidates, with the condition that they report to their assigned postings immediately. However, many of these doctors have failed to join their stations, prompting concern among health officials.
In response to the delay, the directorate of health and family welfare has issued a public notice, mandating that all selected candidates report for duty by March 10. The notice explicitly states that any candidate who fails to comply by this deadline will be considered to have declined the appointment. In such cases, the offer will be automatically cancelled without further notice. A senior health official indicated that the department is currently compiling a list of doctors, and the exact number of those who have not joined will become clear after the March 10 deadline passes.
A Recurring Challenge in Government Medical Posts
This situation is not an isolated incident but rather a recurring challenge for Punjab. Earlier in the same recruitment process, appointment letters were issued to 322 candidates on August 19 and 381 candidates on September 4, 2025. However, many of these selected doctors also did not report for duty, forcing the health department to issue similar warnings. A similar pattern emerged during a recruitment drive in 2024, when the state advertised 400 posts of medical officer (general) after a four-year hiatus. Ultimately, only 284 candidates joined, leaving numerous positions vacant. Additionally, in 2022, the state attempted to recruit 634 specialist doctors, but the response from applicants was far lower than anticipated.
Low Pay and Heavy Workload Cited as Key Factors
The limited interest among young doctors in government service is often attributed to relatively lower pay and the demanding nature of the job. Currently, the entry-level salary for a medical officer in Punjab stands at Rs 53,100. This is approximately 21% less than the central government's starting pay of Rs 67,100 and also lower than Haryana's Rs 56,100. Beyond regular clinical responsibilities, government doctors in Punjab are frequently required to handle additional tasks, including emergency duties, postmortems, medico-legal work, and various administrative or VIP-related assignments.
The Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) has consistently urged the state government to review the salary structure and align it with the pay offered by neighboring states and the central government. The association has also emphasized the need for stronger workplace safety, sufficient support staff, and improved medical facilities to enable doctors to deliver healthcare services effectively. Furthermore, the PCMSA has advocated for financial incentives for performance beyond stipulated benchmarks, which could serve as a much-needed pull factor to attract and retain doctors.
Matter Under Judicial Scrutiny
The shortage of doctors in government health institutions has also come under judicial scrutiny. The Punjab and Haryana High Court is currently hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Bhisham Kinger of Malerkotla, which highlights concerns over gaps in infrastructure and manpower in government hospitals. During earlier hearings, the court asked the state government to provide updates on recruitment progress and the timeline for filling vacant medical posts.
This ongoing crisis in Punjab's public healthcare system raises serious questions about the state's ability to provide adequate medical services to its citizens. With recruitment efforts repeatedly faltering and key issues like low pay and heavy workloads remaining unaddressed, the path to a robust healthcare infrastructure appears fraught with challenges.
