LAHORE: The Punjab government has converted 2,115 regular posts of general cadre doctors in the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (P&SHD) into locum (temporary) positions, sparking widespread resentment within the medical community.
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The decision follows approval by the provincial cabinet on December 15 of the “Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Services (Secondary Level Human Resource) Rules, 2025,” aimed at hiring secondary-level staff on a special pay package. The Finance Department subsequently approved the creation of 2,115 temporary posts, effectively abolishing the corresponding regular positions.
The affected posts, spread across district and tehsil headquarters hospitals, were classified as “dying posts,” having remained vacant for roughly a year. Officials said the move was part of broader reforms to reduce administrative expenditures, improve fiscal stability, and meet commitments made to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under its loan programs.
Authorities also argued that doctors hired under the lump-sum pay scheme would deliver better performance than those on permanent contracts.
However, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) strongly condemned the decision. PMA President Prof. Dr. Shahid Malik said converting permanent posts into locum positions constitutes a “grave injustice” to career doctors and could severely weaken the healthcare system. He warned that the move would hamper promotions for senior doctors, disrupt service structure, and adversely impact patient care.
Dr. Malik appealed to the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court to take notice of the matter and suspend the Finance Department’s notification, urging intervention to prevent similar bureaucratic actions in the future.
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The decision has fueled tensions between the provincial government and the medical community, raising concerns about long-term effects on healthcare delivery and workforce morale in Punjab.