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Jaipur, Rajasthan: An overwhelming mismatch between job vacancies and aspiring candidates has stirred unrest among Rajasthan’s medical graduates and students. Over 14,000 applicants are vying for just 1,220 posts in the latest recruitment for Medical Officers, a figure far short of the 15,000 positions the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had promised during its pre-election campaign.
The All Rajasthan MBBS Doctors Association (ARMDA), led by its president, Dr. Vinod Sharma, has intensified demands for an immediate increase in the number of posts. “The current state of healthcare in Rajasthan is dire,” said Dr. Sharma. “While colleges and hospitals are increasing, the number of available doctors is dwindling. Villages are left without medical professionals, forcing residents to travel to cities even for minor health concerns.”
Unmet Promises and Growing Frustrations
Dr. Sharma criticized the government for failing to fulfill its election promises. “The 1,220 vacancies announced are grossly insufficient,” he said, referencing the 2022 recruitment drive under the Congress-led Gehlot government, where posts were increased from 800 to 1,765 after similar protests.
Dr. Sharma called for a minimum of 2,000 posts in this recruitment cycle, stating, “If the government claims it will eventually fulfill the 15,000-post target, it must start by significantly increasing the current vacancies. Sporadic recruitment drives won’t achieve this target.”
Systemic Issues
One pressing issue, according to Dr. Sharma, is the unfilled vacancies from previous drives. Many recruits pursue postgraduate studies through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Postgraduate (NEET-PG) after being hired as Medical Officers, leaving posts vacant for years.
“We need a system of regular recruitments and transparent examinations to ensure equal opportunities and to avoid issues like paper leaks and cheating,” he said.
Mounting Pressure on the Government
ARMDA has met with multiple government officials, including the Health Minister, to push for more vacancies. While reassurances were given, no concrete action has followed. Dr. Sharma warned of a massive rally in Jaipur if their demands remain unmet.
“We even approached former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who supported similar demands in the past. If the current government continues to ignore us, we have no choice but to escalate our protests,” he said.
Medical Students Speak Out
Amid the turmoil, students voiced their frustrations over an uncertain future.
Dr. Nirmal Yadav, a student at Government Medical College, Kota, said, “We are stuck in a cycle of confusion, from NEET-PG counseling delays to irregular recruitment. When will we study if we are constantly protesting?”
Dr. Ashish Poonia from Government Medical College, Jodhpur, highlighted the financial and mental toll. “Living away from home for coaching and preparation is expensive. Frequent changes and cancellations in the recruitment process add stress, especially for students from rural or middle-class backgrounds,” he said.
Both students emphasized the critical link between increased posts and improved healthcare. “It’s not just about jobs,” Dr. Poonia said. “It’s about ensuring every village has a qualified doctor. Today’s decisions will shape Rajasthan’s healthcare future.”
The Road Ahead
The ball is now in the government’s court as frustration grows among medical graduates and healthcare advocates. ARMDA and students alike are calling for swift action to expand job opportunities and strengthen Rajasthan’s healthcare system.
“This fight is about fairness and the health of our state,” Dr. Sharma concluded. “If the government fails to act, we are ready to take our demands to the streets.”
