Govt raises retirement age of doctors to 65 years

The government today announced an enhancement in the superannuation age of doctors other than doctors of the Central Health Services (CHS), falling under various departments, ministries and autonomous organisations, to 65 years.

The decision will strengthen the health services in the country, union minister of health and family welfare J P Nadda said, while welcoming the cabinet decision. 

''Through this forward looking step, the services of experienced doctors shall be available to bring quality health services to the people. It will help in retaining the existing strength of experienced doctors thereby providing better patient care satisfaction,'' Nadda added.

Terming the decision to be people-centered and pro-patient, Nadda further stated that it will address the shortage of doctors. ''This is a strong signal that the government is taking all steps to enhance services/service delivery. This would also help in improving doctor-patient ratio in the country,'' Nadda said.

Further, Nadda said the decision will help in proper academic activities in medical colleges as also in effective implementation of national health programmes for delivery of health care services.

''The decision may not have much financial implications as large numbers of posts are lying vacant and the present incumbents would continue to work in their existing capacity against sanctioned posts. Around 1,445 doctors of various ministries/departments of the central government would be benefitted,'' Nadda informed.

Consequent to the cabinet decision, the superannuation age of doctors under the administrative control of the department of AYUSH, ministry of defence (civilian doctors under Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Service), Department of Defence Production (Indian Ordnance Factories Health Service medical officers), dental doctors under the department of health and family welfare, dental doctors under the ministry of railways and doctors working in higher education and technical institutions under the department of higher education) has been enhanced to 65 years.

The cabinet has approved ex-post facto, the enhancement of superannuation age of doctors working in central universities and IITs (autonomous bodies) under the Department of Higher Education to 65 years; and approved enhancement of superannuation age of doctors in major port trusts (autonomous bodies) under ministry of shipping to 65 years.

The cabinet also approved that doctors shall hold the administrative posts till the date of attaining the age of 62 years and thereafter their services shall be placed in non-administrative positions.