Promotions of 438 senior medical officers delayed in Punjab

The promotion of hundreds of senior medical officers to Grade 19 has been delayed after the Health Department withdrew their cases before a meeting of the Provincial Selection Board, according to officials familiar with the matter.

The promotion cases of 438 senior medical officers had been forwarded to the board for elevation to the post of additional principal medical officer in Grade 19.

However, the department withdrew the file before the selection board could consider the cases, leaving the promotion process stalled.

Officials said updated annual confidential reports were sought from the doctors in May, but no significant progress had been made since then.

The delay has caused concern among doctors serving in the general and administrative cadres, many of whom have been awaiting promotion for an extended period.

According to departmental figures, 2,097 posts of additional principal medical officer in Grade 19 are vacant across the province.

Despite the large number of vacancies, only 438 doctors were initially considered for promotion, and their cases were also later withdrawn, officials said.

The shortage of Grade 19 officers has affected both provincial health departments, which require senior doctors for administrative and management positions.

Doctors’ representatives said the prolonged delay was harming morale and limiting career progression for eligible officers.

They also alleged that the shortage of promoted officers had resulted in less-qualified or junior personnel being assigned to senior administrative posts.

Reporter: Zahid Chaudhary