Punjab doctors seek domicile-based quota amid ‘influx’ from Rajasthanb

There is unease among Punjab’s MBBS doctors as the state’s ongoing recruitment process for medical officer (PCMS) posts is witnessing an alleged sharp rise in applications and selections from other states, particularly from Rajasthan.

Local doctors fear this trend is severely undermining employment prospects for Punjab’s own medical graduates and could hurt the long-term stability of rural healthcare services in the state.

MBBS graduates from different medical institutes in the state have approached Chief Minister and Health Minister, demanding the government to revise its eligibility criteria for the PCMS recruitment, demanding preferential treatment or reservation for candidates domiciled in Punjab.

Doctors alleged that the state had seen a surge in applications from MBBS graduates in Rajasthan, many of whom are unable to secure employment within their own state due to the lack of posts. This medical workforce is now eyeing Punjab’s recruitment drives, often edging out local aspirants.

“This trend is displacing Punjab’s youth from their rightful government opportunities,” said Dr Diljeet Singh Dhillon, a medical officer.

Punjab