The Supreme Court on Friday urged the Union Government to formulate a uniform national policy governing compulsory rural service by doctors, observing that medical education is a national human resource that must serve society as a whole and not remain confined to urban centres.
A Bench comprising Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe was hearing the matter when Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union Government, sought time to obtain instructions from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Medical Commission (NMC) regarding the formulation of such a policy.
During the hearing, the Bench observed that the issue required a uniform approach across the country rather than differing policies adopted by individual States. The Court remarked that the Union Government, in coordination with the Ministry and the National Medical Commission, should formulate the necessary policy principles, which could then be implemented nationwide with suitable modifications by States where required.
Emphasising the public character of medical education, the Bench observed that medical education is a human resource that must ultimately benefit everyone. It noted that access to quality medical education should not merely result in doctors serving cities or areas where opportunities are abundant, but should also strengthen healthcare delivery in underserved regions.
The Court further observed that no medical education is complete without substantial State support or subsidy, and that the knowledge and skills acquired by medical professionals constitute a valuable national resource. It indicated that the State is entitled to channel that resource through an appropriate policy framework in the larger public interest.
Taking note of the Centre’s request for time, the Bench granted three weeks to enable the Solicitor General to obtain instructions on the need for framing a comprehensive national policy governing compulsory service by doctors.
The matter has been listed after three weeks for further consideration.