Punjab raises retirement age of doctors, dental faculty to 65

Chandigarh: In a major decision aimed at strengthening the healthcare education system, the Punjab government has increased the retirement age for medical officers, specialist doctors, and dental faculty from 62 to 65 years.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Tuesday that the finance department has given formal approval to the proposal sent by the Department of Medical Education and Research. This decision will benefit those governed under the Punjab Dental Education (Group-A) Service Rules, 2016.

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With this move, the retirement age of dental teaching faculty will now align with that of medical teaching faculty at government medical colleges in Amritsar and Patiala, who already retire at 65, reports TOI.

Moreover, the move will directly benefit 113 professionals, including 112 dental teaching faculty members and one joint director, who will now be able to serve for three more years.

Speaking to HT, Cheema said, “The proposal, submitted by the department of medical education and research, was cleared to bring parity with the existing policy for medical teaching faculty at government medical colleges in Amritsar and Patiala. The decision will help retain the highly skilled dental teaching faculty for a longer period, thereby improving the quality and performance of the medical education and research sector in the state.”

He further said, "The extension is aimed at utilising the expertise of senior faculty to strengthen the state’s dental healthcare system and enhance academic standards. By retaining the services of this experienced faculty, the Punjab government seeks to harness their knowledge for the benefit of students and patients alike."

Medical Dialogues recently reported that almost a year after the AAP-led Punjab Government assured 24x7 security for doctors at government medical colleges and hospitals - a promise that remains unfulfilled, doctors across the state urged the government to fulfil its commitment by August 19 this year, or they will be forced to protest again.

The doctors alleged that the state government had promised to deploy security personnel at government hospitals and health facilities across the state to ensure the safety of healthcare workers. Since the government failed to act, the doctors now expect the promise to be fulfilled by August 19 this year.

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