In a significant move to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, the Punjab Cabinet has approved the empanelment of 300 specialist doctors across twelve crucial medical domains. The decision was finalized during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday.
Major Boost to Specialist Healthcare Services
The Punjab government has taken a crucial step toward addressing the shortage of specialist doctors in government health facilities. 300 medical specialists will be empaneled across twelve key specialties including medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, dermatology, chest and tuberculosis, surgery, gynaecology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, ENT, and anaesthesiology.
According to Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, this initiative will significantly improve the quality of secondary healthcare delivery throughout Punjab. The empanelment process will be managed at the district level through civil surgeons, ensuring proper implementation across all regions.
Incentive Structure for Empaneled Doctors
The government has introduced a comprehensive incentive package to attract and retain specialist doctors. Each empaneled doctor will receive Rs 100 per patient for examining patients in both outpatient departments (OPD) and inpatient departments (IPD). However, the government has set specific limits on the number of patients each specialist can handle.
For OPD services, doctors can examine between 50 and 150 patients, while for IPD services, the limit ranges from 2 to 20 patients. The incentive structure also includes special provisions for emergency calls and night duties.
Doctors on night duty who are called during daytime hours will receive an incentive of Rs 1,000. However, if a doctor not scheduled for night duty is called during night hours (8 pm to 8 am), the incentive doubles to Rs 2,000, reflecting the government's commitment to ensuring 24/7 specialist availability.
Addressing Healthcare Challenges in Punjab
This decision comes as a direct response to the ongoing shortage of specialist doctors in government healthcare facilities. Finance Minister Cheema emphasized that this move will help bridge the gap in specialist availability and improve healthcare accessibility for residents across the state.
Additionally, the cabinet has directed officials to prepare a proposal for a new incentive-based policy specifically for government doctors and teachers serving in border areas, recognizing the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals in these regions.
In a separate but concurrent decision, the cabinet also approved the Punjab Minor Minerals Rules 2013, aligning them with the Punjab State Minor Minerals (Amendment) Policy, 2025, demonstrating the government's comprehensive approach to governance across multiple sectors.
