In a bid to tackle the scarcity of doctors in government hospitals, the Maharashtra cabinet has decided to introduce a Bill which proposes to reserve certain seats in medical colleges of government and municipal corporations, reported news agency ANI.
According to the Bill, 10% of MBBS seats and 20% of medical post-graduation seats will be reserved for in-service doctors. These doctors will have to mandatorily work for 5-7 years in interior areas of the state, post completion of their course.
Failing to do so can result in imprisonment for five years and even cancellation of their degree, according to The Times Of India.
The decision was approved by the state cabinet on Monday, 9 September, and a Bill titled ‘Maharashtra Designation of Certain Seats in Government and Municipal Corporations Medical Colleges’ will be introduced in the legislature to make it a law.
The reserved seats will be available in state and civic run medical colleges as well as for those who wish to work for longer duration at government centres.
“The decision has been taken to ensure that we have enough doctors to man the primary health centres and offer other health facilities in rural, hilly or remote areas. Students getting a seat under the quota will have to sign a bond. Any breach would attract imprisonment of five years as well as cancellation of degrees. Only those with the state’s domicile certificate can opt for the quota.”Dr T P Lahane, head of the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), as quoted by The Times Of India
(With Inputs from ANI & The Times of India)
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