Uttar Pradesh: CM Yogi Adityanath Govt Raises Retirement Rehiring Limit For Specialist Doctors To 70 Years

Lucknow, September 09: In an effort to tackle the shortage of doctors, particularly specialized ones, and ensure better, timely healthcare for the public, the Yogi government has taken a significant step. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced that the maximum age limit for re-employment of retired specialist doctors from the Provincial Medical and Health Services (PMHS) cadre will be increased from 65 years to 70 years.

This decision aims to bolster the availability of experienced doctors in hospitals throughout the state, thereby enhancing medical services given the rising population and increasing patient demand.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Medical and Health, Brajesh Pathak, emphasized the importance of this move, stating that the government is committed to providing adequate medical staff, especially specialists, in light of the continuously increasing patient load in outpatient and inpatient departments. ACS Medical and Health, Amit Kumar Ghosh, further explained that these retired doctors from the PMHS cadre will be re-employed against 500 non-cadre posts to ensure a steady supply of specialist medical professionals.

Appointments will be made on a contractual basis through walk-in interviews, with re-employment continuing until these positions are filled by regular medical officers or for a period of one year, whichever comes first. Upon completion, these posts will be eliminated unless extended on a year-to-year basis, based on performance, behavior, and a health certificate, but the age cap will not exceed 70 years.

After regular doctors are appointed, non-cadre posts will no longer exist. These re-employed specialists will not be assigned administrative roles or granted a cadre designation; instead, they will serve as "Consultants" or "Paramarshi." They will be tasked with contributing to emergency and casualty medical services, in line with hospital needs.

While the age limit for re-employment of retired doctors from military service is also being considered, the rules for regular MBBS doctors retiring after their superannuation age remain unaffected.

Private practice by re-employed specialists is strictly prohibited; they may only prescribe government-approved medications. Violation of these conditions could lead to immediate termination of their re-employment. The government believes that the combined effort of experienced retired specialists alongside regular appointments will significantly bolster the state's medical system.

This decision is viewed as an essential measure to address the growing demand for specialist medical services in government hospitals, especially as the population expands and patient pressure mounts.