Jharkhand Introduces Mandatory Service Rule for MBBS Graduates: Five Years in Government Hospitals

In a major policy move aimed at strengthening Jharkhand’s public healthcare system, the state government has announced a new mandatory service rule for MBBS graduates. Doctors who complete their MBBS from government medical colleges in Jharkhand will now be required to serve for at least five years in government hospitals.

The announcement was made by Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari during his visit to Dhanbad Sadar Hospital and Dhanbad Medical College on Wednesday. The government will soon issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to formally implement the new rule.

Addressing the Shortage of Doctors

Health Minister Dr. Ansari said the decision was taken to tackle the acute shortage of doctors in government hospitals, especially in rural and underserved areas of the state.

“This is a necessary and firm step to ensure that people of Jharkhand get quality medical care. Doctors educated at public expense must contribute to public service,” the minister said.

Coal Belt to Become a ‘Medical Hub’

Sharing the government’s long-term vision, Dr. Ansari announced that the Koylanchal (coal belt) region will be developed as a ‘Medical Hub’ within the next four years. As part of this plan, a new medical college in Dhanbad will be established in the name of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren.

He also revealed that the old building of Dhanbad Medical College will be demolished and replaced with a modern facility, where advanced treatment using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotic technology will be introduced to improve patient care.

Expansion of Medical Infrastructure

The health minister further stated that the state plans to open eight new medical colleges, out of which construction work has already begun on four. During his visit, he also inaugurated modern medical equipment, including a C-Arm machine for the Orthopaedics Department and an advanced anaesthesia workstation.

Human Touch Amid Administrative Lapses

Although Dr. Ansari’s scheduled OPD visit was delayed—from 11 am to 2 pm—and he examined only three patients, his actions drew attention when he noticed an injured child while leaving Sadar Hospital. He immediately stopped his convoy and instructed officials to ensure proper treatment for the child.

At the medical college, the minister also interacted with patients’ families near the gynaecology department, listening to their concerns and assuring them of improvements.

A Landmark Decision

The five-year mandatory service rule marks a significant shift in Jharkhand’s healthcare policy, signaling the government’s intent to retain skilled medical professionals within the state and improve access to quality healthcare for its citizens. The move is expected to have a lasting impact on public health delivery, particularly in remote and resource-starved regions.