Punjab medical groups oppose move to raise age limit for vice chancellors

LAHORE: A group of medical organisations in Punjab has objected to a proposed increase in the age limit for the appointment of vice-chancellors at medical universities, while also raising concerns over what it described as violations of rules in appointments to administrative posts held by doctors.

According to a statement issued on Sunday after a joint meeting, the consortium included senior representatives of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), the General Cadre Doctors Association (GCDA), the Pakistan Society of Family Physicians (PSFP) and other medical bodies. The participants held detailed discussions and unanimously decided to prepare recommendations on the matter.

The statement said the Punjab government’s move would violate Higher Education Commission rules, deprive senior doctors of their due right and undermine merit. The medical organisations also warned that they were united on the issue and prepared to pursue both departmental and legal action.

Concerns over appointments

GCDA president Dr Masood Sheikh said appointing doctors from other cadres to senior administrative positions meant for the general cadre was against the law. He said seniority was also being ignored in these appointments, creating anxiety among senior doctors.

Dr Sheikh said the creation of a separate administrative cadre was the only way to resolve such issues.

PMA central president Dr Izhar Chaudhry said the provincial government’s policies had gradually damaged the image of doctors. He urged the authorities to ensure merit and transparency in the appointment of vice-chancellors in public-sector medical universities instead of accommodating what he called favorite individuals.

Other issues raised by doctors’ bodies

PSFP president Dr Tariq Mian criticised the policies of the Punjab Healthcare Commission, saying they had put health service delivery at risk by targeting practising doctors and healthcare facilities. He said a delegation of medical organisations should meet the PHC chairman to seek solutions to these problems.

Dr Mian also warned of wider consequences for the health system if mistreatment of doctors continued. "If the abuse of doctors is not stopped, the healthcare system will become more pathetic," he said.

Pakistan Islamic Medical Association central Punjab president Prof Dr Muhammad Humayun said rising incidents of mental and physical violence against doctors had become a serious concern for the medical community. He said many doctors now felt deeply insecure and called for a comprehensive strategy to address the situation.

Dr Javed Mumtaz said private medical colleges and hospitals were financially exploiting doctors and postgraduate trainees. He said the practice must be discouraged to help prevent capable doctors from leaving the country.