Bhubaneswar: In view of acute shortage of doctors in the state, the Odisha Government today revised service bond policy for medical students from next academic session.

Health Minister Naba Kishore Das informed this while speaking to mediapersons here today.

As per the new policy, students pursuing PG courses or super specialization medical courses after completing MBBS in state-run colleges are bound to serve under state Government for two years, the Minister said.

“Candidates reluctant to stay in Odisha for the predetermined period will have to pay compensation against the bond. PG students have to pay Rs 1.5 crore and those pursuing super specialization courses will deposit Rs 2 crore” Das further said.

Earlier the bond amount was Rs 36 lakh for both PG and super specialization students.

Das added, “The move will help serve the interest of the people of Odisha. It is observed that students move to other states for higher studies after completing MBBS from state-run medical colleges. But with introduction of this new bond policy, students will stay and serve the people of the state.”

Earlier this year, the state Government increased the retirement age of contractual doctors from 68 years to 70 years.