CHANDIGARH, Nov 28 — Facing a severe shortage of specialists in public hospitals, the Punjab cabinet on Friday approved the empanelment of 300 private doctors, offering them Rs 100 per patient for OPD and IPD consultations.
Officials said each doctor will be allowed to examine 50–150 OPD patients and 2–20 IPD patients, depending on need.
Finance Minister Harpal Cheema said the decision is meant to stabilise a strained system. “To retain doctors in government hospitals, all doctors on night duty, if called during the day, will get Rs 1,000 for a visit — and the same applies in reverse,” he said.
Cheema added that the chief minister has asked officers to frame a new incentive-based policy for doctors and teachers posted in border areas. “Employees prefer not to be posted there. We want to ensure last-mile delivery of health and education services,” he said.
The cabinet also cleared amendments to the Societies Registration Act, 1860, allowing the government to appoint in-charges of cooperative societies. A GPS tracking system will be introduced for vehicles carrying minor minerals, and powers of delegate and appellate authorities within the cooperative department will be reorganised.
