Considering the long pending demand of PCMS doctors, the Punjab Government has relaxed the eligibility conditions for PCMS doctors for admissions in PG Courses. It was disclosed in press communiqué here today by Health & Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu.Giving details here today, Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu said that this relaxation for admissions in PG Courses was provided on the Directive of Chief Minister Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh. He said that earlier the PCMS doctors who had completed 4 years of service in difficult rural areas and 6 years service in other rural areas were given 30% incentive marks and allowed to pursue PG Courses. Now the requirement of rural service has been reduced from 4/6 years to 2/3 years.The Health Minister said that the doctors would get 20% and 30% incentive marks on completion of 2/3 and 3/4.5 years of Rural Service. The doctors who get admission under incentive category would get full pay during their PG Course.Divulging more, he said that earlier candidates who secured admission on the basis of their own merit in the PG Course were allowed to do PG Course only if they had completed 3 years of rural service. Now this period has reduced from 3 years to 1 year and the doctors would be given leave of the kind due during the PG Course. Earlier the PCMS doctors who did not complete their probation period were not given leave of the kind due and their service was treated as dies-non during the PG Course resulting into loss of seniority which discouraged many doctors. Now they would get leave of the kind due and their original seniority would be protected.For the candidates who are sponsored by PGI, the bond has been reduced from 15 year or Rs. 75 lacs to 10 years or Rs. 50 lakhs.The Health Minister explained that the intention was to allow PCMS doctors to pursue and complete their degree as early as possible so that they can serve the Department for longer period after completion of PG Course.