The Maharashtra Cabinet has granted its approval for a proposal to extend the age limit for retirement of health officials, including doctors, civil surgeons and other senior officials, to 62 years.

The age of retirement for medical officers and other senior staff members in the health department is 60 years at present. Some of the senior officials and civil surgeons were given extension for a period of one year owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that 62 years has been decided as the cut-off age for an official serving in the department. 

He clarified that that an official who is turning 62 this year will retire in the current year. However, those who were earlier given a one-year extension after they turned 60 will be given an extension for another year and they will retire as they turn 62.

The step comes amid concerns that the state could witness a shortage of experienced medical professionals when the third wave of COVID-19 strikes. A senior health official said that they could create more facilities, but from where would they get more doctors. Extending the service duration of the existing officials appeared to be the only viable option. The state government is also considering increasing bonds for doctors who are doing internship.

The state health minister also said that they have filled 899 posts last week and a new advertisement will be issued in the coming days for recruitment on at least 1,000 posts.

Source: The Indian Express