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Punjab extends empanelment to Community Health Centres, hiring private specialists
The Punjab government will hire private specialists for Community Health Centres (CHCs) on a per-patient and per-procedure basis, expanding an empanelment model previously used for district and sub-divisional hospitals. The directive, issued April 27, 2026, covers 13 specialties and includes pathology, with a ceiling of 300 empanelled doctors. Walk-in interviews on selected Tuesdays are to be used to speed up hiring.
Why It Matters
This move aims to address a chronic shortage of doctors in Punjab’s public health system by involving private specialists, but it raises questions about regular recruitment and potential privatization of public health services.
Timeline
2 Events
Article reports extension to CHCs and background on vacancies and reactions
April 30, 2026
An official news article dated April 30, 2026 reports that empanelment for CHCs will extend the model to block-level facilities within the previously approved ceiling of 300 empanelled doctors. It notes 13 specialties are covered and pathology is included. The piece highlights that nearly 50% of sanctioned specialist posts are vacant and that regular recruitment has not occurred since 2022. It mentions the Punjab Civil Services Medical Association’s concern over the empanelment model and cites statements from health officials regarding private-sector pay differences and efforts to address shortages, including criticism of the arrangement by a former deputy director.
Directive issued to empanel private specialists for Community Health Centres in Punjab
April 27, 2026
Punjab health directorate issues a directive authorising civil surgeons to conduct walk-in interviews to engage private specialists at Community Health Centres on a per-patient and per-procedure fee basis. The empanelment ceiling is 300 doctors and includes 13 specialties: medicine, surgery, paediatrics, psychiatry, dermatology, chest and tuberculosis, gynaecology, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology (ENT), anaesthesia, radiology and pathology, with pathology included to strengthen laboratory services. Empanelment for district and sub-divisional hospitals is complete; extension to CHCs has been approved by the competent authority.