In a significant policy shift, the Punjab government has imposed strict new regulations on the process by which government doctors can obtain permission to travel abroad. The Health Department recently issued a directive stating that hospital heads no longer have the authority to approve or forward leave applications for international travel.

Under the revised guidelines, all doctors employed in government hospitals must now seek prior approval directly from the chief minister before they can leave the country. The move centralizes the decision-making process, removing the discretion previously held by medical superintendents, principals, and hospital administrators.

Additionally, doctors are now required to submit their applications at least one month ahead of their planned departure. The policy underscores that no exceptions will be made and all travel-related leave requests must pass through official channels leading to the chief minister’s office.

The government has framed this measure as a way to ensure accountability and prevent unsanctioned absences in the public healthcare sector.