By Mariyam F.
In light of recent staff shortages in government hospitals, community health centres (CHCs) and primary health centres (PHCs), Uttar Pradesh government has made provisions that allow eligible retired doctors to continue serving through contractual re-employment until the age of 70.
“The decision, approved by CM Yogi Adityanath, will allow retired specialists from the Provincial Medical and Health Services (PMHS) cadre to continue providing services amid a rising patient load in state hospitals,” said Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak. “Ensuring adequate availability of doctors, especially specialists, is essential in public interest and for continuity of medical services,” he added.
Amit Kumar Ghosh, chief secretary of medical and health, said 500 non-cadre posts would be created for re-employment of retired PMHS specialist doctors. The contractual appointment will continue until regular doctors are posted against the vacancies or for one year, whichever is earlier. He also specified that under any circumstances these contractual posts will not cross 500.
Hiring will be done on the basis of walk-in interviews on a 1 year contractual basis. Contracts will be renewed depending on efficiency, performance and health reports of the individuals.
The appointed professionals will not be provided administrative and cadre designation and will serve only as consultants. However; they will be required to render service in the emergency ward as per the needs of the hospital.
The state has also notified that doctors will be prohibited from private practice and may face immediate termination of their re-employment for violating the prescribed conditions. Also, the service they render while re-appointment will not add up to their pension benefits.
Provisions have also been made for the re-employment of specialist and MBBS doctors retiring from military service after completing their superannuation age.
According to UP Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, re-appointment of retired medical professionals alongside regular appointments will strengthen the state’s medical system.
There has been a shortage of doctors in state hospitals. The policy was made to address the staff shortage amidst increasing population and patient pressure.
(Rh/MF/MSM)