Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Health Department is drafting a major new policy that may make five years of compulsory government service mandatory for all MBBS graduates before they can apply for postgraduate (PG) medical courses. The proposal aims to address the persistent shortage of doctors in remote and rural regions of the state.
Why This Policy Is Being Introduced?
Uttarakhand has been struggling with a long-standing gap in doctor availability, especially in hilly and remote districts. Although over 1,600 MBBS posts are sanctioned and around 1,450 seats are reported as filled, many doctors either leave early, remain absent for long periods, or exit government service soon after joining to prepare for PG admissions.
Senior health officials have repeatedly highlighted that the current system encourages early dropouts. A structured mandatory-service rule may help stabilise the workforce and improve healthcare delivery across the state.
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Join NEET PG News 2025 How the New Policy Would Work?
Under the draft proposal:
- Every MBBS graduate, regardless of their home state, must serve five years in the Uttarakhand government health services.
- Only after completing this mandatory service will they be eligible to apply for PG medical admissions.
- The rule aims to ensure that doctors do not leave government service prematurely to prepare for PG entrance exams.
Expected Benefits of the Policy
- Better doctor availability in underserved and difficult-to-reach regions.
- Higher stability in the health workforce, as doctors will remain in service longer.
- Stronger commitment from medical professionals towards public health services.
- Improved patient care in primary and secondary healthcare centres across the state.
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Challenges and Concerns
While the proposal has been welcomed by many administrators, it also raises concerns:
- Young doctors may feel restricted, as PG preparation plans could get delayed.
- The policy may face legal and administrative scrutiny before final approval.
- Some experts worry that mandatory service could affect doctor motivation unless supported with proper working conditions and incentives.
Government’s Stand
Health Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat has expressed support for the policy, calling it a necessary step to improve public healthcare in the long term.
Director General of Health Services, Dr Sunita Tamta, clarified that the rule would apply to all MBBS graduates who join Uttarakhand’s health services, irrespective of where they completed their MBBS.
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It is a very poor decision. There is no scarcity of doctors; we simply need to utilise them properly. After spending five years studying medicine, expecting another five years of compulsory service—especially with the low salaries offered to MBBS graduates—is unreasonable and will only push more graduates abroad.
In addition, foreign medical graduates should also be utilised instead of restricting them with FMG exams. They too are qualified doctors, and including them would help increase the workforce for these services.
From an MBBS student’s point of view, the Uttarakhand government’s 5-year service bond may seem harsh and financially stressful. But, from a citizen’s perspective, it is a necessary and beneficial decision because the state has shortage of doctors in remote and hilly regions. The Doctor Availability Crisis of India is stark especially in hilly and remote region. The bond rule make sure that government-funded medical education results into improved public healthcare access, especially in underserved districts where doctors rarely stay willingly.