PMA Lahore raises alarm over halted transfers of 580 doctors

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore has expressed grave concern over the suspension of transfer orders of 580 doctors in the Punjab Health and Population Department, 24NewsHD TV reported on Sunday. 

In a press release, PMA Lahore President Prof Dr Shahid Malik said the transfer orders had been halted on the verbal instructions of the Secretary Health, calling the move unjustified and detrimental to the healthcare system.

He appealed to the Punjab Chief Minister to take immediate notice of the matter and ensure that the long-pending transfer orders are issued without further delay, with doctors posted to teaching hospitals facing acute staff shortages.

Malik recalled that during the tenure of former Secretary Health Ali Jan, transfers between teaching hospitals and primary healthcare facilities were a routine administrative process.

However, he said that since the current Secretary Health assumed charge, all transfers have been centralised and virtually frozen, forcing doctors to seek political and administrative recommendations to secure postings.

He further pointed out that even doctors who have completed their mandatory three-year service in rural areas are still awaiting transfer orders, despite a critical shortage of doctors in teaching hospitals.

“This is not only demoralising for doctors but also unfair to those who fulfilled their rural service obligations,” he said.

He said a complete lack of coordination between the Secretary Specialized Health and the Secretary of the Health and Population Department had paralysed both departments.

PMA Lahore president urged the provincial government to intervene before the situation worsens further.