Gujarat Doctors' Service Bonds Face Overhaul

The Gujarat government has initiated a comprehensive review of its compulsory service bond system for students graduating from government medical colleges. The health department is actively consulting on potential reforms, indicating a willingness to consider adopting Maharashtra's recently implemented model if deemed suitable.

Minister of State for Health, Praful Pansheriya, announced that an exercise is underway to "improvise and change" the existing bond structure. He has directed the health secretary to conduct a thorough study, engage with students, and consult other stakeholders before a decision is made. This review follows Maharashtra's decision to abolish its mandatory service bond for MBBS graduates.

Under Gujarat's current regulations, MBBS graduates from government colleges must complete one year of service in rural or underserved public health facilities or pay a bond amount. This ranges from Rs 20 lakh for MBBS doctors to Rs 40 lakh for postgraduate students and Rs 50 lakh for super-specialty graduates. In February 2026, it was reported that the state had collected Rs 671 crore from doctors opting out of service, with Rs 270 crore still outstanding.

The Indian Medical Association's Gujarat State Branch has welcomed the move, noting that many doctors on bond service periods are not being posted. Sources suggest that with most doctors preferring to pay the bond money rather than serve in rural areas, alternative methods to engage young doctors are needed.