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Punjab Admits Severe Doctor Shortage Crippling Rural Healthcare
14 Nov, 2025
Summary
- 8 out of 10 sanctioned medical officer positions vacant at Tarn Taran's CHC
- Specialist positions in medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, and anesthesia all vacant
- Recruitment process ongoing but incomplete, with further delays expected for specialist roles
In a concerning admission, the Punjab Health Department has conceded that the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Sur Singh Wala, Tarn Taran district, is facing a severe doctor shortage. According to a counter-affidavit filed on November 7, 2025, the CHC has only 2 out of 5 sanctioned general medical officer posts filled, leaving 3 vacant. Worse still, all 5 specialist positions in medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, and anesthesia stand empty.
This totals 8 vacant slots out of 10, underscoring a dire understaffing that the affidavit attributes to a broader statewide crunch, but acknowledges is acutely felt in the Tarn Taran district. The government claims the recruitment process for 1,000 medical officers is ongoing, with some appointments made in August and September 2025. However, it admits that the specialist roles will only be filled "shortly" after necessary approvals, signaling further delays.
This crisis has crippled essential services at the CHC, forcing thousands of rural residents to seek treatment in distant Amritsar or Tarn Taran. The People Welfare Society, an NGO, has filed a PIL demanding immediate action to restore basic healthcare access in the underserved area.
