Punjab government to hire retired doctors for medical teaching roles

The Punjab government plans to appoint retired doctors and private sector medical professionals as professors and associate professors on a contract basis. The initiative aims to fill dozens of vacant teaching positions across 12 medical specialties, including Cardiology, Oncology, Radiology, and Paediatric Surgery, which have faced significant faculty shortages.

Eligible applicants must be up to 65 years of age. The contracts will last for a maximum of three years, though they may terminate earlier if a regular candidate is appointed through promotion or the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), or if the doctor reaches the age limit. Applications are reportedly being accepted until November 5.

While senior doctors suggest the move will provide much-needed supervision for junior doctors, the proposal has faced criticism. Some permanent medical staff expressed concerns that contract appointments could limit promotion opportunities for regular employees and weaken the permanent structure of medical education in the province.