Health dept reduces bond time, amount for non-service medicos

The bond duration of the non-service post graduate candidates for the 2017-2018 batch was 10 years for a bond amount of Rs 2 crores. However, as per the new order from the Directorate of Medical Education, the bond amount and duration of bond service for non-service post graduate students of 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 batches have been stipulated as Rs 50 lakh and two years respectively. The same bond amount and period would apply for the 2017-2018 batch students as well.

The service candidates will have the same bond amount of Rs 50 lakh till superannuation.

The medicos have welcomed the move by the directorate, which brought relief to students who do not want to continue the service. The revised bond condition means that the students who come to Tamil Nadu from other states also serve the State for a shorter bond duration and lesser bond amount. When compared to other states, Tamil Nadu offers a higher number of super speciality seats for non-service post graduate candidates.

Senior officials from the directorate said the bond amount and duration have been revised after considering the issues put forward by medical students pursuing super speciality courses in Tamil Nadu. The medical college students’ associations have welcomed the move of the State Health Department.