Question: Which among the following States have imposed compulsory rural service for doctors?
(a) Maharashtra, Odisha and Rajasthan
(b) Goa, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh
(c) Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
(d) None of these
Answer: (a)
Related facts:
- On 21st August, 2019, The Supreme Court has recently suggested the Government to frame a uniform policy for compulsory rural service for doctors for a certain period after passing out.
- The court asked that suitable steps should be taken by Centre and MCI to have a uniform policy on compulsory rural service by doctors applicable across the country.
Compulsory Rural Healthcare Service in India:
- At present, some states like Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Telangana have imposed the provision of compulsory service.
- The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the policy so that deprived sections of the society can avail the benefit of it.
- The SC ruled that compulsory bonds condition imposed by respective States for the students taking admissions in postgraduate and super specialty courses in government medical colleges.
- Various states, however, have different clauses and bond period/ amount that extend to about Rs. 50 lakh as well. The court has fixed the service period for such candidates at two years and also the penalty has been set at Rs. 20 lakh.
Links:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/frame-policy-on-compulsory-rural-service-for-doctors-sc/articleshow/70762413.cms
https://www.timesnownews.com/education/article/neet-pg-ss-pg-medical-admissions-mandatory-service-clause-in-rural-areas-doctors-supreme-court-asks-centre-to-frame-policy/472851
https://ehealth.eletsonline.com/2019/08/frame-policy-to-make-rural-service-mandatory-for-doctors-sc-to-centre/