Latest news with #KumarRahul
The Print
4 days ago
- Health
- The Print
Discontent brewing since 2020, Punjab MBBS students protest Rs 5 lakh fee hike in 5 yrs, stagnant stipend
According to the protesting interns, the government policy has placed a growing financial burden on them, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds, which is made worse by the fact that their stipend remains stagnant at just Rs 15,000 per month. The discontent has been brewing since 2020, when fee for the 5.5-year MBBS course (including one year compulsory internship) was hiked by a steep 77 percent in government colleges—from Rs 4.4 lakh to Rs 7.8 lakh. Since then, the state has continued to increase the fee by 5 percent annually. New Delhi: More than 1,000 MBBS students and interns from various government medical colleges across Punjab are protesting against frequent hikes in course fee by the state and demanding an increase in their monthly stipend. Punjab's stipend amount is the lowest among neighbouring states: Haryana pays Rs 24,300 monthly, Himachal Pradesh Rs 20,000, Chandigarh Rs 30,070 and Delhi Rs 30,000. The protesters argue that despite rising costs and longer working hours, Punjab's support for its young doctors remains inadequate. Resident doctors in various government colleges have also lent their support to the student protests. 'I've taken up a part-time job elsewhere because I simply can't manage on this stipend,' said an MBBS intern from Government Medical College (GMC), Amritsar, speaking to ThePrint on the condition of anonymity. 'My family already took a Rs 5 lakh loan to cover my fees. I can't put them under more financial stress.' The student had joined the college in 2020, the year the fee was hiked. Since then, the fees have continued to rise every year: in 2021, it increased to Rs 8.21 lakh (up 5.2 percent), followed by Rs 8.6 lakh in 2022 (up 4.7 percent), Rs 9.05 lakh in 2023 (up 5.2 percent), Rs 9.50 lakh in 2024 (up 5 percent) and Rs 9.98 lakh in 2025 (5.05 percent). In contrast, tuition fee for the MBBS course in neighbouring states remains significantly lower—around Rs 3.19 lakh in Himachal Pradesh and Rs 4.5 lakh in Haryana for government colleges. Over five years, the cumulative fee hike in Punjab has crossed Rs 5 lakh with the stipend remaining constant which, the interns say, is 'unfair'. 'There has been a 5 percent increase in fees every year since 2020. The protest is more about the demand for an increased stipend, which has been taken up with the Finance Department,' Kumar Rahul, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Punjab, told ThePrint over WhatsApp. ThePrint also reached out to Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh over call, but no response was received. The Director of Research and Medical Education refused to comment on the matter. Indian Medical Association (IMA) national spokesperson Dr. Dhruv Chauhan questioned the logic of charging fees equivalent to private colleges despite students clearing a national-level government exam like NEET. 'What's the point of qualifying such a tough exam if the state government demands private college-level fees?' He added that when such high fees are being charged, the least the government can do is offer a fair stipend—instead, what's given is 'as low as that of a bonded slave.' Chauhan also criticised the imposition of a bond system on young doctors, calling the entire approach 'mental torture for aspirants' and a move that is damaging the country's healthcare system. Also Read: Ventilators received under PM CARES 'faulty', majority lying unused, Punjab doctors claim 'Why not increase the stipend?' The protests first began on 7 May, with students sending multiple letters to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Governor, the Directorate of Research and Medical Education, and the Finance Department. However, they got no official response. Another letter was sent on 13 May, but when that too went unanswered, the students and interns intensified their protests across various government medical colleges, including GMC Faridkot and GMC Patiala. 'We began with gate rallies from our college to the hospital, followed by candle marches and sit-in protests,' Gurpreet, an intern at GMC Faridkot, told ThePrint. 'Despite our peaceful demonstrations, there was still complete silence from the authorities, so we took the protest online as well.' On 10 June, a delegation of protesters met with Dr Balbir Singh, Rahul Kumar, and the Director of Research and Medical Education at the cabinet office in Chandigarh. According to the students present at the meeting, officials informed them that a proposal regarding stipend revision and the state's new (compulsory service) bond policy had been sent to the Union Finance Ministry, but no action would be taken until the bypolls in Ludhiana were over. The election results were declared Monday. 'Elections are over, the results are out, yet the government has done nothing to address our demands,' said Dr Archit Bawa, an MBBS intern from GMC Amritsar. Another protester, Nishant, an MBBS intern from GMC Patiala, told ThePrint: 'We worked hard to secure a government seat. If this is the situation in public institutions, what hope do we have from the private sector?' 'Not just the tuition fee, we still have to cover hostel and mess expenses, all while surviving on a consistently low stipend. If they want to increase the fee, then why not the stipend too?' he asked. Despite working 12-hour shifts, the interns are continuing their demonstrations. They have warned that if their demands remain unaddressed, they may be forced to suspend their duties. 'We don't want it to come to that, but if the government continues to ignore us, we'll have no choice,' Nishant told ThePrint. The bond policy The budding doctors have also registered their protest against the bond policy introduced on 13 June for new entrants in government medical and dental colleges in Punjab. Under it, starting from the 2025-2026 academic session, students enrolling in government medical and dental colleges need to either serve in state-run healthcare facilities for two years after completing their degree, or pay a penalty of Rs 20 lakh. The protesters say the move, aimed at addressing the shortage of medical professionals in public health institutions, places an unfair burden on students. The bond policy also applies to students admitted through the all-India quota, but with a shorter service requirement—one year instead of two, as mandated for state quota students. Medical Student Association, Punjab, has demanded immediate removal of the policy. 'It has turned the dreams of MBBS and BDS students into a nightmare for 2025-26 session. We have been protesting on the streets, this has to stop. It feels like the government is stomping on our dreams,' reads a memorandum submitted to the government by the student delegation, seen by ThePrint. (Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui) Also Read: More beds, new mattresses – Faridkot hospital was spruced up two days before minister's visit
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Drug fight: Punjab's plan to allow private psychiatrists to dispense buprenorphine faces legal hurdle
1 2 Chandigarh: An ambitious initiative by the Punjab govt to widen access to drug rehabilitation by allowing private psychiatrists to dispense buprenorphine has run into a legal roadblock. Health minister Dr Balbir Singh recently announced with much fanfare that private psychiatrists would be permitted to provide buprenorphine—a critical medicine used in opioid dependence treatment—to patients at their OPD clinics. The move was seen as a breakthrough to bridge the treatment gap amid a crippling shortage of psychiatrists in the public healthcare system. However, the proposal now faces a major roadblock: a 2019 stay order by the Punjab and Haryana high court on a directive issued by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) that would have enabled private OPD clinics to dispense buprenorphine. The court's interim order has resurfaced as a legal barrier, throwing a spanner in the govt's efforts to broaden access to opioid substitution therapy. With Punjab battling a severe drug crisis, particularly among the youth, the need for wider treatment access has never been more urgent. Currently, nearly 10 lakh individuals are undergoing treatment at 529 govt-run Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) centres. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Espalhe a sua marca para milhares de pessoas Balinhas Personalizadas Solicite orçamento Undo To further expand coverage, the state announced plans to open 41 new OOAT clinics across 10 districts. In addition, 180 private rehabilitation centres are already functional across the state. Following the health minister's announcement, the Association of Psychiatrists "provisionally" agreed to assist in managing addiction cases at govt-affiliated de-addiction centres. In response, the Punjab health department constituted a committee of experts—including representatives from the Association of Psychiatrists, the advocate general's office, and senior health officials—to explore legal avenues. In its first meeting, the committee resolved to file an application in the high court seeking vacation of the stay order. This is not the first time legal ambiguity derailed policy progress. In Aug 2020, the Punjab cabinet amended state rules to allow private psychiatric clinics to dispense detoxification medication under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985—a longstanding demand of private practitioners. Yet by 2021, the govt rescinded this provision, citing legal opinion from the advocate general's office, though other amendments were implemented. Health principal secretary Kumar Rahul confirmed that the govt is actively evaluating all options to implement the revised dispensing policy. "A committee of experts has been formed and is examining all relevant aspects, including legal avenues," he said. The Association of Psychiatrists welcomed the department's efforts but warned that the absence of a concrete timeline and uncertain legal outcomes made it difficult to offer "unconditional" support. "A lot of time has already passed. Without clarity, it will be hard to engage the psychiatric community for long," the association stated. It further contended that the stay order does not explicitly prohibit implementation of the amended rules, and that the govt's own OOAT centres continue to dispense the same medication under similar legal uncertainty. "We are ready to assist the govt, but not at the cost of being misled into believing this is a favour—when it's a rightful provision," the body said, adding that individual psychiatrists must now weigh the risks of relying on delayed govt action. EXPERTS PUSH FOR EVIDENCE-BASED ADDICTION CARE Public health specialists, including the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), have repeatedly criticised Punjab's existing de-addiction model as outdated and ineffective. The IPS has called for treatment to be aligned with evidence-based protocols, particularly the routine use of buprenorphine, and urged that addiction care be brought under the Mental Healthcare Act for better regulation and patient outcomes.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Punjab expands free medicine list to curb out of pocket expenditure
Chandigarh: In a significant move to make healthcare more affordable, the Punjab govt has expanded the list of essential medicines to be provided free of cost at all govt hospitals and health facilities across the state, increasing the total number to close to 500. The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on patients, particularly those from economically weaker sections, by ensuring greater access to life-saving and commonly used medicines without out-of-pocket expenses. Punjab has one of the highest rates of out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare in the country, exceeding the national average. According to the Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey conducted by the ministry of statistics and programme implementation for the period July 2022 to June 2023, the average medical expense per hospitalisation in the state was Rs 8,306 for rural households and Rs 8,272 for urban households. These expenses are often met through personal savings or borrowing, putting additional pressure on household finances. To address this concern, the Punjab health department has increased the number of essential drugs at each level of the public health system. District hospitals will now have 487 essential drugs, up from the previous count of 276. Sub-divisional hospitals will stock 362 drugs, up from 276, while community health centres (CHCs) will have 317 essential drugs, compared to the earlier 230. At the primary health centre (PHC) level, the number has been raised from 151 to 202, and health and wellness centres will now stock 103 essential medicines. The health department has issued updated drug lists to all civil surgeons across districts and instructed hospital in-charges to ensure the uninterrupted availability of these medicines in adequate quantities. Hospital heads have also been tasked with monitoring their inventory regularly and contacting district warehouses in case of any shortages or discrepancies. If the Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC) is unable to supply certain medicines in time, civil surgeons and senior medical officers have been authorised to procure them locally. For local purchase, civil surgeons are authorised to spend up to Rs 10 lakh, while senior medical officers have the authority to purchase medicines worth Rs 2.50 lakh. Principal secretary of health, Kumar Rahul, stated that the decision aims to reduce the out-of-pocket burden on patients and ensure that medicines are available across all govt hospitals without interruption. He reiterated that hospital authorities must guarantee that all medicines on the list are provided to patients completely free of charge. Supporting the initiative, Dr Akhil Sarin, president, Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), called the move a step in the right direction. He noted that with nearly 500 essential drugs now being offered for free, the initiative directly lowers the cost of healthcare by addressing the significant expense of medicines, thereby making treatment more accessible and affordable for the public. "The Punjab govt's decision is being seen as a major policy intervention to strengthen public health infrastructure and move towards more equitable healthcare delivery," said Dr Sarin. BOX CHOICE EXPANDS FACILITY | OLD LIST | NEW LIST | District Hospital | 276 | 487 | Sub-divisional hospital| 276 | 362 | Community health centre| 230 | 317 | Primary health centre | 151 | 202 | BOX Doctors told to write in bold or capitals Following directions issued by the Punjab and Haryana high court on May 26, the directorate of health and family welfare has instructed all medical colleges and civil surgeons across Punjab to ensure that all prescription slips and diagnoses are written in capital or bold letters by doctors. The directive aims to improve legibility and prevent errors in patient care. Officials have been asked to ensure strict compliance with the order and see that all doctors under their respective jurisdiction implement these instructions in letter and spirit. MSID:: 121519598 413 |
Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Nine Covid cases reported in Punjab this year, situation not alarming: government
Punjab has reported nine Covid cases since January 2025 and one of the patients died on Wednesday, Health Secretary Kumar Rahul said, adding that there was no cause for concern as the situation was not alarming. In a statement, Rahul said two of the nine Covid cases belonged to Haryana and that five out of the rest were mild cases and had recovered completely. One active Covid case is from Mohali and the patient is asymptomatic, he added. The deceased Covid patient, who had been admitted to Government Medical College & Hospital, Sector-32, Chandigarh, had hepatitis B with chronic liver disease. He died mainly due to his comorbid conditions, Rahul said. The Department of Health & Family Welfare is closely monitoring the situation and is in regular touch with the central government for further updates and guidelines, Rahul said, adding that the state was adequately prepared to deal with the situation. Further, the health secretary appealed to the public and media to act responsibly and avoid creating panic.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Punjab looks to hire 1,000 docs to meet acute shortage, plans to wrap up hirings by end of year
Chandigarh: To address the chronic shortage of doctors across its health facilities, Punjab govt is gearing up to initiate a large-scale recruitment drive to hire 1,000 medical officers. This decision comes on the heels of the state's recruitment of 400 medical officers—a process that began last year after a gap of four years. The shortfall of nearly 1,000 sanctioned posts lying vacant has severely impacted healthcare delivery, particularly in border and rural regions. The issue was prominently raised during the recent budget session, with even legislators from incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) flagging the absence of doctors in their constituencies. Health minister Dr Balbir Singh assured the assembly that the govt was committed to addressing the gap, and this recruitment initiative is a step toward fulfilling this promise. Despite each district in Punjab having at least one district hospital, many have poor infrastructure, face human resource shortages, and have inadequate service delivery. Alarmingly, only 45% of these hospitals meet the required doctor staffing norms. The state's doctor-to-population ratio stands at 1.02 per 1,000—well below the national average of 1:811. To improve public healthcare access and quality, Punjab set an ambitious target of increasing this ratio to 2 doctors per 1,000 people by 2030, and to 4 by 2047. The govt also committed to formulating fresh recruitment and promotion policies, while increasing MBBS seats in state medical colleges. The upcoming recruitment plan was discussed in detail on April 17 during a meeting between principal (health secretary) Kumar Rahul, director (health services) Dr Hitinder Kaur, and a delegation from Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Walmart Photos With a New Level of Detail Old Money Style Undo Officials said the drive will be launched shortly, and they intend to wrap it up by the end of this year. Welcoming the move, PCMSA president Dr Akhil Sarin reiterated the need for regular hiring of PCMS doctors to fortify Punjab's public health infrastructure. "A robust and continuous recruitment process is essential to ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable populations," said Dr Sarin. He urged the govt to expedite the hiring process. However, attracting young talent remains a major challenge. Punjab currently offers an entry-level basic salary of Rs 53,100—significantly lower than the central scale of Rs 67,100 and Haryana's Rs 56,100. The Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) has been demanding a revision of the pay structure to bring it in line with neighbouring states and central norms, making govt jobs more competitive and appealing. In addition, PCMSA has been advocating for a secure working environment for medical professionals, along with the provision of adequate equipment and support staff to ensure optimal services for the general public.
