Starting from the 2025–26 academic session, the Punjab Government has introduced a ₹20 lakh bond policy for students joining MBBS and BDS courses in state-run medical and dental colleges. Under the policy:
• State Quota students must serve 2 years in government health facilities or pay ₹20 lakh.
• All India Quota students have a 1-year service requirement.
• The bond period may be extended by the government.
The move aims to address the shortage of doctors in rural areas, with nearly 1,962 out of 3,847 posts for general medical officers lying vacant.
However, the medical community has criticized the policy, calling it unfair and financially burdensome, especially amid ongoing protests over low stipends and rising course fees. Interns currently earn just ₹15,000 monthly after paying nearly ₹10 lakh in fees, while resident doctors also receive lower stipends than peers in neighboring states.
