₹671cr recovered from MBBS docs opting out of rural service: Rushikesh Patel, Gujarat's State Health Minister

Gujarat's State Health Minister, Rushikesh Patel, announced on Friday that Rs 671 crore has been amassed from MBBS doctors who choose not to serve for one year in rural areas post-education. An outstanding Rs 270 crore is yet to be retrieved from such doctors.

Bond Policy and Financial Obligation

Under the state government's bond policy, students receiving subsidized medical education are obliged to commit to working in the government's health setup in rural regions. Patel highlighted that those unwilling to fulfill the bond period are mandated to pay Rs 20 lakh.


Responding to queries regarding actions against students not completing the bond period, Patel clarified that the state government cannot obstruct universities from granting medical degrees to such students.

Increasing Medical Seats and Recruitment Policy

Acknowledging concerns about a shortage of medical doctors in various health facilities, Patel disclosed that Gujarat currently offers 7,050 medical seats, with a continual rise in this number. Over the past two years, 1,350 new MBBS seats have been introduced.

Regarding the recruitment policy for medical officers, Patel stated that all MD and MS doctors interested in government service will be directly appointed as class 1 officers. However, about 500 candidates were recently offered appointments as class 2 officers through the GPSC, but many declined due to ongoing higher studies or existing medical practices.

(With inputs from TOI)