The Jammu and Kashmir government is set to introduce a mandatory service bond for doctors pursuing MD/MS degrees from medical colleges in the region. This move aims to ensure that doctors contribute to the local healthcare system after completing their postgraduate education.
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, announced this while responding to a query during the assembly session in Jammu. She emphasized that postgraduate medical education in J&K is funded by the state exchequer, and doctors must give back to the community in return.
“They earn their degrees using public funds, so it is only fair that they serve the people of J&K,” the minister stated.
The proposed service bond will require doctors to serve in J&K for two years, similar to the practice followed in medical colleges across India. The duration of the bond may extend to three years in certain cases. However, she added that exceptions could be made where patient care and healthcare delivery necessitate flexibility in the rules.
She requested all MLAs to cooperate in this regard so that the health sector can be strengthened in J&K.
“This initiative aligns with policies in other states and aims to strengthen the local healthcare infrastructure by ensuring an adequate number of specialists remain in J&K,” Sakina added—(KNO)
