PATNA, June 8 -- The Bihar health department has mandated at least three years of continuous regular service for government doctors seeking no-objection certificates (NOCs) for higher studies outside the state or in private medical colleges in its latest policy, officials said on Sunday. Under the new guidelines, accessed by HT, doctors of the Bihar Health Service (general and specialist cadre) and dental services will become eligible for NOCs only after confirmation of service and completion of three years of uninterrupted service certified by controlling officer. The department barred doctors from obtaining another NOC for studies outside Bihar or in private institutions in Bihar for five years after they return from higher studies and rejoin. To prevent doctors from using Bihar service to fulfil bond obligations in other states after pursuing higher studies there, the department mandated applicants to submit an affidavit before a first division executive magistrate, stating that they will either not avail any bond-covered seat or will independently fulfil all bond obligations and financial liabilities before returning to serve in Bihar. The policy states that doctors already holding a PG degree will not be allowed to pursue another PG course through departmental NOC, while those with super-speciality qualifications will not be permitted to undertake another super-speciality programme. Doctors possessing PG degrees in a particular discipline, however, may pursue higher qualifications such as DM, MCh or DNB only in the same speciality. Similarly, specialist cadre doctors will be eligible for higher studies only in their existing discipline. The department capped number of doctors eligible for NOCs each year to up to 3% of the sanctioned strength in general and specialist cadres, with selection based on seniority and date of application. To minimise disruption in healthcare delivery, doctors must apply for NOCs one month before admission or joining deadlines. Permissions will be granted only after submission of counselling, nomination and joining-related documents. Officials said the move seeks to balance doctors' academic aspirations and uninterrupted healthcare services in Bihar....