Bond a service to humanity, can’t relieve PG docs: HC

CHENNAI: Holding that doctors cannot adopt a pick-and-choose attitude while treating patients, especially those from financially poor background, the Madras High Court refused to relieve postgraduate (PG) doctors from two years of bond service.

Denying to treat poor patients who come to government hospitals despite agreeing to it under the bond was against the ethos of medical ethics, said Justice SM Subramaniam while dismissing two petitions moved by doctors seeking to relieve them from bond service.

“Bond service is nothing but a service to humanity and to the poor sections of the society who, due to financial constraints, are unable to get paid treatment, such limited services sought for from the PG doctors cannot be denied,” the court said.

Through the bond policies, the government would be able to provide quality healthcare services to the most vulnerable contributors of the economy, the judge added.

Pointing out how the PG doctors fully agreed to the terms in the bond to render their services, he said it was only in the true spirit of the medical profession that their valuable services were rendered for those who have come to the government hospitals in search of specialised treatment. “It is the greatest form of service to humanity and is a testament of a true doctor,” the order added.

The services of a doctor are far different from any other service, as saving a life is a contribution not only to the patient but also to the family, dependents, and even the economy of the country, added the judgment.

The case came before the judge after two PG doctors moved petitions seeking to relieve them from the bond service and direct the State government to return their original certificates. The petitioners contended that they have served during the COVID-19, which, they said, should be factored in the bond service period.