In a significant move to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals, the Punjab government has announced plans to deploy security guards at district-level health institutions across the state. The decision aims to create a secure working environment for doctors and medical staff amid growing incidents of violence in government hospitals.
The move comes against the backdrop of increasing attacks on doctors, particularly in district hospitals that provide round-the-clock healthcare services. Official data from the past two years indicates nearly 80 cases of violence against medical professionals, reported not only from border districts but also from other parts of Punjab.
According to an official communique issued by the Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC) on December 31, 2025, the proposal has received approval from the state Finance Department as well as the Health and Family Welfare Minister. Under the plan, 200 security personnel will be hired through an outsourcing agency—the Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO).
The security guards will be deployed across all district hospitals in Punjab for an initial period covering January and February 2026. District-wise allocation includes Amritsar (11), Barnala (7), Bathinda (11), Faridkot (7), Fatehgarh Sahib (7), Fazilka (9), Ferozepur (9), Gurdaspur (9), Hoshiarpur (9), Jalandhar (11), Kapurthala (9), Ludhiana (12), Malerkotla (7), Mansa (7), Moga (9), Muktsar Sahib (9), Pathankot (7), MKH Patiala (11), Roopnagar (7), Sangrur (9), SAS Nagar (9), SBS Nagar (7) and Tarn Taran (7).
Medical associations and doctors’ bodies have welcomed the decision, describing it as a long-pending and much-needed relief for doctors and allied healthcare staff who continue to deliver 24×7 services under challenging conditions.
The state government’s move is expected to strengthen on-ground security at public hospitals and help restore confidence among medical professionals, while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for patients.
