Nagpur: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Nagpur branch has alleged that a 1-year compulsory bond service for MBBS graduates of government medical colleges (GMCs) is an injustice to them.

According to the current rules, MBBS graduates of GMCs are not eligible for PG admission without completing the bond service, which involves service in rural hospitals, government hospitals, etc. The rule applies only to those who study in state-run colleges as the government expects some return of service for subsidizing their education.

Dr Ashish Disawal, president of Nagpur IMA, argues that a huge amount of money is also spent on students in IITs and IIMs, but the bond service is mandatory only for medical students. He stated that the doctors are still ready to complete the compulsory bond service, but it should be done after the PG degree.

Dr Disawal added that several successful PG-NEET students will not be able to take admission as they would not have completed the bond service.

If the MBBS graduates wish to escape the bond service, they are required to pay Rs 10 lakh. The IMA opposes this provision as well.

Dr Dinesh Agrawal, secretary of IMA, said that students who complete MBBS in government colleges come from middle-class families and can’t pay Rs 10 lakh. They have to do the 1-year bond service which interrupts their studies and prolongs their PG education.

Dr Anil Ladhad, member of the Maharashtra Medical Council, claimed that the government is unable to provide bond service to all GMC graduates. More than 3000 MBBS graduates come out of GMCs every year and the number is expected to increase with the new GMCs started over the last 4 years. Vacancies in rural hospitals, PHCs and National Health Mission (NHM) Health and Wellness centers are nearly 800 only. If all MBBS graduates apply for the Bond service at the same time, the government will not be able to give them appointments.

Dr Suhas Pingle, honorary secretary of IMA, stated that graduates from GMCs should be allowed to continue with PG education without any interruption in their studies. This will ensure good talent in PG courses and better doctors in the health manpower of the state. He suggested that Bond service can be completed after the PG course. (TNN)