PCMSA opposes increase in retirement age of doctors, meets Health Minister
Chandigarh, 12 June, 2019: Two days after newly appointed Health Minister Punjab Balbir Singh Sidhu's statement over increasing the retirement age of government doctors, the body of government doctors Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) Punjab has opposed the proposal of the state government on Wednesday here. The delegation of the PCMSA included State President PCMSA Punjab Dr Gagandeep Singh, general secretary Dr Manohar Singh, Dr Indervir Gill, Dr Harpreet Sekhon, Dr Ranjit Singh Rai, Dr Rashpal Singh Rattol and Dr Shaminder Kang.
To express the concerns over increasing of retirement age of doctors from 58 to 65, the PCMSA met the Health Minister at his residence here. The Association discussed the implications of increase in retirement age as promotional avenues are already very less and a medical officer has to wait for 25 years for his first promotion as SMO and those who are on verge of promotion as SMO or Deputy director, will have to wait another 7 years. It will lead to stagnation at the higher level.
"This will lead to increase in unemployment and frustration among fresh medical graduates. Punjab government is not short of Administrative level officers in Health and Family Welfare Department", said Dr Gagandeep Singh Moga, president of the association.
While discussing this issue the minister reportedly told the deputation that only clinicians are required and only they will be eligible for increase in the retirement age.