Punjab posts 255 specialists to government hospitals

The health department in Punjab has announced that 255 specialist doctors will join government hospitals across the state. This is part of an effort to address the shortage of medical professionals. The doctors include 36 physicians, 35 surgeons, 25 gynaecologists, 24 anaesthesiologists, 19 orthopedicians, 16 ear, nose, and throat specialists, and eight paediatricians. The specialists have graduated from government medical colleges in Patiala, Amritsar, and Faridkot. The Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) welcomed the decision. They stated that this move is essential due to the current lack of specialist doctors and low participation in recent recruitment efforts. The association believes that these young specialists will provide valuable services to the poor and needy. Dr. Akhil Sareen, PCMSA's state president, noted that the bond system for posting doctors was not enforced in the past. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the shortage, the health department began assigning postgraduates to essential hospitals. This is the first time such postings have been extended to district hospitals and community health centers.