The Government on Wednesday said it has no plan to put a blanket ban on doctors and medical professionals trained at armed forces institutes from leaving services as it will hamper attracting new talent.
Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Singh said during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha that about 15 per cent of the doctors and medical professionals were educated/trained at armed forces institutes after furnishing `15 lakh bond money.
“It is important that we do not close exit or else new talent will be scared to come. If we close the exit, we will not be able to get new talent,” he said.
“Some of the trained doctors do not join the Armed Forces Medical Services on completion of their MBBS course from Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. They leave AFMC, Pune after paying the bond money of `15 lakh,” he pointed out adding, “However, the attrition level is showing a declining trend.”
listing out incentives being given to retain medical professionals, the Minister said post-graduate and other professional enhancement opportunities are being offered as also foreign posting. Besides, promotions and posting to working husband and wife at the same stations are being offered.
He said against sanctioned strength of 4,804, the number of doctors in Army is 4,584, which was adequate.