Haryana has received an overwhelming response to its latest recruitment drive for 450 medical officer posts, with nearly 12,000 MBBS graduates and students submitting applications. While the technical shortfall is 450 posts, the practical requirement is closer to 950 medical officers. This gap exists because 350 medical officers have gone on to pursue postgraduate degrees after completing the minimum three years of service in the department. Of these, 50 are meant to be filled through promotion from medical officers, while the remainder are reserved for direct recruitment. According to association leaders, more than 95 per cent of medical officers receive only one promotion during their careers, from medical officer to senior medical officer.