Shimla, May 17
In a recent decision, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has paved the way for retaining medical specialists in the state’s medical colleges and deploying them to remote rural areas where healthcare needs are critical. This judgment, delivered on May 16, 2024, in the case of LPA No. 93/202 titled State of HP and Others vs. Dr. Rajeev Sandal and Others, has significant implications for the healthcare landscape in Himachal Pradesh.
A spokesperson for the health department announced that the court’s decision mandates compliance with the compulsory bond furnished by doctors, which requires them to serve the state after completing their respective postgraduate (PG) or super-specialty (SS) courses as per the PG/SS policy of the Department of Medical Education and Research.
The court’s ruling emphasized adherence to the precedent set by the Supreme Court in the case of Association of Medical Super Specialty Aspirants and Residents and Others vs. Union of India and Others. The Supreme Court’s decision is binding on all parties involved, including the first respondent serving the State of Himachal Pradesh, the appellants, and the High Court itself.
The bond executed by the respondents in this case, will remain in effect for five years from the date he opted for the DM course in Clinical Hematology at PGI Chandigarh in 2020. The court ruled that respondent cannot withdraw from this obligation by presenting untenable excuses.
This decision is expected to significantly enhance the availability of specialist doctors in Himachal Pradesh’s rural areas, addressing critical healthcare needs and improving overall medical services in these underserved regions, noted the official spokesperson in a media communique.
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