Compulsory service bond hurdle faced by PG aspirants in Maharashtra

Mumbai: Doctors who haven’t completed their compulsory bond service in the rural areas are likely to face problems in securing their post-graduation seats for the year 2018-19. They supposedly number at 5000 in the state.

With less than 3 months left for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET)-PG, a government resolution has been issued by the state’s medical education department making it compulsory for MBBS graduates from Public medical colleges to submit bond free certificates in order to qualify for a post-graduation seat.

The Government resolution has all PG aspirants in a state of shock as this last minute announcement will result in their months of study for NEET PG going a waste.MBBS pass outs are supposed to pursue their rural bond service for 1year after their 5 ½ yr MBBS course.

The state gives MBBS pass out a span of six years to complete their higher qualifications. Most avail this time for finishing their higher studies instead of completing their bond service, after their MBBS course.

Though a check has been placed on MBBS graduates from public medical colleges on PG entrance, through the government resolution, the state cannot check the eligibility criteria for the national-level exam. "The GR will have an impact on the counseling process for seat allotment which begins in March and is conducted by the state. Since the government also conducts admissions in private medical colleges, it is not clear if MBBS graduates from state-run colleges, without the bond-free certificates, will be eligible even for the private seats. These candidates can opt for the All-India quota seats," an official told TOI.