Punjab’s new 2-year MBBS bond, fee hike ‘exploitation’, ‘unfair’; interns, doctors shut OPDs in protest

The decision of Punjab government to increase the MBBS, BDS fee and introduce a two-year bond policy has sparked an outrage amongst aspirants and medical interns who have launched state-wide protests and shut down Out Patient Departments (OPD).

Recently, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) which will conduct the National Eligibility Entrance Test - Undergraduate (NEET UG) counselling 2025 for admissions to MBBS, BDS programmes in medical and dental institutes, notified the fee for government and private colleges across the state as given below.

Moreover, a service bond of Rs 2 lakh will be levied on MBBS, BDS students admitted under both state quota and All India Quota (AIQ). The duration of Punjab MBBS bond policy will be one year for AIQ and two years for state quota candidates. The service period may be extended, the department of medical education and research stated.

Several MBBS, BDS interns and doctors have opposed the decision, calling it exploitation and demanding a hike in stipend amount.

Targeting the AAP government, former health minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said, “OPDs shut. Surgeries stalled. Patients suffer. Punjab’s young doctors are on a statewide strike — not by choice, but out of desperation. Stipends are shamefully low, bonds are exploitative, and fees are soaring. Bhagwant Mann, how long will you turn a blind eye!?”

A doctor, health activist, and medical influencer took to X and said, “Day-49, reminding the government - MBBS interns in Punjab grind more than 12 hour shifts, handle emergencies, yet earn just Rs 500 per day! Sky-high fee of Rs 10 lakh and a two-year service bond unfair.”

“In Punjab, fees for MBBS is around Rs 10 lakh and post-MBBS bond is for two years, and penalty is of Rs 20 lakh if bond is not completed. How can any poor student give such a huge amount?,” asked a doctor in a post on X.