Sindh dismisses 289 COVID-era contract doctors

The Sindh government has taken a major decision to end the services of 289 medical officers who were temporarily recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, a formal notification has been issued by the Sindh Health Department, instructing the doctors to resign before June 30, 2025.

These doctors had been appointed on 89-day contracts and were serving in various districts, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, and Naushahro Feroze.

According to the Health Department, these medical officers were hired without going through the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC), and their services are no longer required.

Officials added that the contract duration has concluded, and no extension is being offered. The move signals a winding down of emergency-era staffing, as the province reverts to standard recruitment procedures post-pandemic.

The affected doctors were hired as part of the urgent medical response during the coronavirus outbreak but will now have to vacate their posts as part of the department's workforce restructuring strategy.

Reporter: Azad Nehrio