Patiala, Dec. 28 -- After failing to recruit medical specialists for nearly three years, the Punjab government has decided to empanel private medical specialists to address the chronic shortage crippling the secondary healthcare services across the state.

The move to engage private doctors has been taken against the backdrop of a severe shortage of specialists in government hospitals. No regular recruitment has been carried out in the state since 2022.

Official data reveal that, out of the 2,098 sanctioned posts of medical specialists in Punjab, only 1,000 are currently filled, leaving nearly 47% of the positions vacant.

In the notification issued on December 27, the department of health and family welfare has announced the need-based ...