Bhubaneswar: In an effort to address the shortage of doctors and encourage them to serve in the state, the Health and Family Welfare department of Odisha has revamped its policy for medical students passing out of government medical colleges. The modified policy introduces a comprehensive bond system to ensure doctors’ commitment to serve in government health institutions for a minimum of two years.
According to sources, the new bond system applies to all medical students seeking admission to government medical colleges in the state. The move comes in response to a perceived reluctance among doctors to continue serving the state after completing their courses, leading to a shortage of medical professionals.
The Directorate of Medical Education and Training (DMET) will enforce the bond requirement for candidates seeking admission in PG Diploma, Diplomate National Board (DNB), Doctorate National Board (DrNB), MD, MS, MDS, DM, M.Ch. courses, or any other courses adopted in the state.
Under the revised policy:
- Candidates must submit the prescribed bond before admission.
After completing their courses, doctors must serve in any health institution in the state for a minimum of two years. - Certificates will not be retained by the college authorities, and in case a candidate pursues higher studies immediately after completing the course, the bond will come into force upon their return.
- The State Medical Council (OCMR) will not release the NOC for registration in any other state until the DMET Odisha confirms bond conditions.
Additional highlights include:
- Service or training after PG in Odisha under the State Government will count towards the Post PG Bond service.
- Private healthcare institutions must obtain an affidavit from doctors, ensuring compliance with bond provisions.
- Monetary penalties for defaulters will be double the amount of stipend/salary received during the study period.
- Defaulters leaving the course before completion will be liable for a monetary penalty of Rs 10 lakh and the stipend/salary received by the date of leaving the course.
- In case of non-payment, recovery procedures will be initiated under the Odisha Public Demand Recovery Act, 1962.
- This stringent bond policy aims to retain doctors within the state, strengthen healthcare services, and address the critical shortage of medical professionals in Odisha.