PMA says over 850 Punjab doctors await transfer decisions amid administrative delays

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore has expressed concern over delays in processing transfer requests of more than 850 doctors, urging the Punjab government to immediately resolve the issue, 24NewsHD TV reported.

In a press release issued on Monday, the PMA said that over 850 doctors serving under the Punjab Health and Population Department had applied for transfers to the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department under the government's transfer policy.

According to the association, all the applicants have completed the required three-year service period and are eligible for transfer, but their applications have remained pending for an extended period.

PMA President Prof Dr Shahid Malik criticised the delay, alleging that not a single application has been decided by Health and Population Secretary Nadia Saqib so far.

He said the prolonged delay has caused mental stress, professional uncertainty, and administrative difficulties for the affected doctors.

Prof Malik warned that if the issue is not resolved promptly, the doctors may have no option but to seek legal relief from the Lahore High Court to secure what they consider their legitimate rights.

He urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take immediate notice of the matter and direct the Health and Population Secretary to decide all pending transfer applications within a fixed deadline based on merit and transparency.