Patiala, May 16 -- The Punjab government is considering a proposal to allow regular government medical specialists to work beyond official duty hours and earn additional remuneration amid growing resentment among state doctors over hefty payouts to privately empanelled specialists.

The move is also expected to include incentives for government specialists under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, the state's flagship health insurance scheme.

Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh confirmed that the government was actively working on a framework to financially incentivise regular specialists for additional work.

"We are planning to pay them extra if they work beyond their duties. They can perform surgeries and attend patients after their work...