Andhra Pradesh DME says raising Govt doctors’ retirement age may not be feasible at present

Vijayawada: Raising the retirement age of doctors working in government medical colleges may not be feasible at present, the Andhra Pradesh Directorate of Medical Education (DME) has said, citing the impact on employment opportunities for young doctors. 

In a letter dated September 28, 2026, the DME stated that qualified young doctors, including specialists and super-specialists, are available and seeking opportunities in government service. Extending the retirement age would affect the availability of regular vacancies and, consequently, their prospects of entering government employment.

The communication was addressed to the Secretary of the Federation of Andhra Pradesh State University Retired Teachers Welfare Associations in response to its representation dated September 7, 2026, seeking enhancement of the retirement age of government doctors. The DME also referred to a communication from the AP Junior Doctors Association dated July 20, 2026.

After examining the request, the Directorate noted that the number of seats in various super-speciality courses has increased in recent years, resulting in greater availability of specialists.

“At present, there is availability of qualified young doctors, including specialists and Super Speciality specialists, who are seeking opportunities for employment in Government service,” the letter further stated.

The DME observed that increasing the retirement age would have an impact on regular vacancies and the employment and career opportunities of young doctors aspiring to join government service.

Addressing staffing requirements, the Directorate said the existing needs in certain super-speciality and newly established departments could be met, wherever necessary, through appropriate recruitment and contractual engagement of specialists until regular vacancies are filled.

“In view of the above circumstances, the request for enhancement of the retirement age of Government Doctors may not be feasible at this stage, particularly in view of the availability of young doctors and the need to provide them with adequate employment and career opportunities in Government service,” the letter stated.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Andhra Pradesh government was considering increasing the retirement age of professors in government medical colleges to address faculty shortages. Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav had directed the DME to prepare a proposal after reviewing vacancies and their implications for medical education and postgraduate seats.