Punjab Doctors Cry Foul: Rajasthanis Dominate MBBS Recruitment
A growing unease simmers among Punjab’s MBBS graduates over the alleged dominance of out-of-state candidates, primarily from Rajasthan, in the recent Medical Officer (PCMS) recruitment drives. This influx, they argue, severely impacts employment prospects for local graduates.
The protesting doctors highlight a concerning trend: a disproportionate number of Rajasthan-based candidates securing PCMS positions. This, they fear, undermines the state’s efforts to improve healthcare access, particularly in rural areas.
Their primary demand revolves around implementing domicile-based recruitment criteria to ensure a fairer representation of Punjab’s medical graduates. They also advocate for standardized Punjabi language proficiency tests, deeming it crucial for effective communication with patients.
The issue has escalated into a significant concern, with several medical associations voicing their support for the protesting doctors. The state government is now under pressure to address these concerns and find a solution that balances the needs of local graduates with the requirement of qualified medical professionals across the state. Failure to address this could lead to a further deterioration of healthcare services in Punjab’s rural heartland, particularly impacting vulnerable populations.