Maharashtra puts MBBS bond-service rule for PG admissions on hold

The Maharashtra government has put the compulsory MBBS bond-service rule for PG medical admissions on hold till further orders. Currently, the state allows MBBS graduates to enroll for PG courses without completing the bond-service. However, those retaking the NEET PG entrance exam for the third time were required to complete the internship.

“The 2017 Maharashtra government resolution requiring MBBS graduates to complete their bond service before joining PG courses has been put on hold till further orders,” the official order read.

As per the rule, candidates will not be eligible for admission to MD, MS, postgraduate diploma courses without completing the prescribed period of government bond service during their MBBS course. “It is hereby informed that the said government order is being suspended till further orders,” the latest notification read.

Recently, the Association of State Medical Interns (ASMI) Maharashtra, a group of 2019 batch students who completed their post-MBBS internship, wrote to the state medical education department seeking clarification on the rule. The official statement is a response to the letter.

Due to the limited number of vacancies in the rural healthcare centres (RHCs) and primary healthcare centres (PHCs) every month, students across the country have complained about the compulsory bond-service policy. Primarily because of huge backlogs.

Notably, the Maharashtra compulsory rural bond-service rule was introduced in 2017 for PG courses, including super specialty programmes. Although the state government announced to implement it from the academic year 2019-20, it has not been mandated till date.