Perception of medical graduates towards government service, as a career option after graduation, in a medical college in the Bundelkhand region

Abstract

Background: Medical students generally opt for post-graduation/specialization before starting their working and take several attempts to clear their NEET-PG entrance exams. Even after several attempts all students do not get a seat of their choice and for those who want to work after MBBS, joining government service (PMS) can be one of the feasible options. This research paper wishes to determine the attitude of medical graduates and their willingness to join government service immediately after graduation.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was planned in April 2024 to May 2024, in MLB Medical College, Jhansi. All recently passed medical graduates who consented (eighty), were included in the study. A schedule was administered to enquire about their willingness to join service and the reasons for their choice. Chi square test was used to check for the associated factors.

Results: The mean age of participants was 25.38±2.2 years, 60% were males, 37.5% were from rural background, In the present study, 65/80 (81.3%) answered they would join a government job immediately after internship if offered one. The advantages mentioned were job security, a sense of purpose, diverse exposure and a fixed schedule. Issues of payment, less flexibility, transfers, no private practice , work place safety were highlighted. On applying chi-square test, mother’s education and father’s occupation were found to be significantly associated with accepting government job.

Conclusions: This study breaks the myth that medical graduates want to only opt for specialization policy makers can enable them to join these services and further the cause of universal health coverage.