Nadda hails cabinet decision of increasing retirement age of govt. doctors

Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) [India], September 27 (ANI): Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Wednesday hailed Union Cabinet's decision of increasing retirement age of Central government doctors and said that the initiative will help in addressing the issue of shortage of medical staff.

Speaking to ANI, Nadda said "There are so many vacancies, new doctors won't face problem but the experienced ones can now continue serving patients. The retirement age of doctors in all sectors has been extended to 65 from 62. This is a good move that the Centre has taken. We can save almost 1500 doctors from getting retired in September 2017".

"This is a very pragmatic and revolutionary decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There are ample vacancies for new doctors and we will try to fill up those vacancies. On the other side we can also educate ourselves from the experienced doctors. Revolutionary and pro-patient step, doctor-patient ratio and health services will improve," he added.

Earlier in the day, in an endeavour to combat shortage of experienced doctors Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that retirement age of Central Government doctors will be increased to 65.

"Retirement age of Central Govt. doctors, other than Central Health Service doctors, to be increased to 65 years" said Prasad post Cabinet meeting.

"Keeping in mind the shortage of doctors, a decision has been taken to increase the retirement age of doctors from 62 years to 65 years," he added.

Health Ministry earlier in May said that the proposal of increasing the retirement age has been approved. (ANI)