The Punjab government has taken a major decision regarding private doctors in the state. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann convened a cabinet meeting at his residence on Friday, where several important decisions related to private doctors were made.
Chandigarh: The Punjab government has taken a significant and historic decision to strengthen the state's healthcare services. In a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, it was decided that private doctors will now also perform duties in government hospitals. Under this decision, approximately 300 private doctors will be included in the government panel, which will largely address the shortage of doctors in government hospitals.
The meeting was held on Friday at the Chief Minister's residence, where several important decisions related to the healthcare system were taken. The government's objective is to ensure that better and timely medical services reach even the remote areas of the state.
How much will private doctors be paid?
Under this scheme, private doctors included in the government panel will be provided a fixed honorarium as an incentive. State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema informed that:
- ₹1000 per day for day duty
- ₹2000 per night for night duty
This payment will be made in exchange for services rendered in government hospitals. The government believes that this will enable experienced doctors from the private sector to join the public healthcare system, providing better treatment to patients.
300 Specialist Doctors to be Included in 12 Important Categories
According to a spokesperson from the Chief Minister's Office, the Cabinet has approved the inclusion of approximately 300 expert doctors across 12 essential medical specializations. These key departments include:
- Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Dermatology
- Chest and TB diseases
- Surgery
- Gynecology and Obstetrics
- Orthopedics
- Ophthalmology
- ENT
- Anesthesiology
- Other essential super-specialty services
The services of these doctors will be utilized for OPD, IPD, emergency services, minor and major surgeries, and other medical procedures.
Appointment Process to be at District Level
The government has also clarified that the process of including these private doctors in the government panel will be completed at the district level through the Civil Surgeon. This means that specialist doctors will be identified and empanelled in each district according to the local needs. This system will be completely transparent, and doctors will be deployed keeping in mind local healthcare requirements.
These expert doctors included in the government panel will be eligible to charge fees for OPD, IPD, emergency services, and surgeries. However, the government will also ensure that no unnecessary financial burden is placed on patients and that services remain affordable.
