Facing an ongoing shortage of specialists and limited interest from young doctors in government service, the Punjab health department has decided to bring retired medical experts back on contract.
The state’s public healthcare network has long struggled with vacancies in key disciplines such as gynaecology, anaesthesia, orthopaedics, and radiology. Despite repeated recruitment efforts, nearly 50% of the 2,098 sanctioned specialist posts remain vacant, according to media reports. Many newly appointed specialists have left shortly after joining, citing lower pay scales, fewer benefits compared with neighbouring states, and the burden of frequent VVIP duty assignments that often disrupt clinical work.
To plug the widening gap, the government has announced 88 contractual consultant positions 20 in paediatrics, 19 each in gynaecology and general medicine, 11 in anaesthesia, 10 in general surgery, five in radiodiagnosis, and four in psychiatry. Appointments will initially be for one year, with the possibility of annual renewal based on performance. Retired doctors will receive remuneration equivalent to their last drawn salary minus pension, plus dearness allowance, without any additional benefits.
The consultants will focus exclusively on clinical duties, including OPD, inpatient services, and emergency care within their specialties. They will not be assigned administrative work, medico-legal responsibilities, post-mortems, or casualty postings. Private practice will also be prohibited during the contract term.
Eligibility will require detailed scrutiny of the last five years’ Annual Confidential Reports, Vigilance and Pension Clearance Certificates, and a medical fitness certificate. Only retired specialists below 64 years of age who meet all conditions will be considered. Those facing disciplinary action, Rule 8 charge sheets, or major penalties under the Punjab Civil Service (Punishment & Appeal) Rules, 1970, will be disqualified.
Selected candidates will be posted across District Hospitals, Sub-Divisional Hospitals, and Community Health Centres. The department has stated that any misconduct or unlawful activity will result in immediate termination without notice and bar the individual from future extensions.
While welcoming the move as a temporary relief measure, Dr. Akhil Sarin, President of the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), stressed the need for permanent recruitment. He said sustainable improvement in staffing would require regular appointments rather than short-term contractual solutions, according to media reports.
