Non-CHS doctors' retirement age raised to 65 (Lead, Supersedes earlier version)

The retirement age of doctors employed in government ministries and departments will now be 65 years, up from 62, bringing them at par with the Central Health Service (CHS) doctors, it was announced on Wednesday.

The decision was taken by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.

The age of superannuation of CHS doctors was last year enhanced to 65 with effect from May 31, 2016.

Non-CHS doctors, including doctors of other systems of medicine of the central government, were also demanding enhancement of superannuation age from 62 years on the ground of shortage and parity with CHS.

A government statement said the cabinet decision would benefit 1,445 central government doctors including those working in Indian Railways Medical Service, central universities and IITs and major port trusts under the Shipping Ministry.

Doctors under the administrative control of AYUSH Ministry, Department of Defence and Department of Defence Production would also benefit apart from dental doctors under the Department of Health and Family Welfare and the Railway Ministry, the statement said.

"The Union Cabinet has further empowered respective ministries, departments and organisations to take an appropriate decision in respect of the age of doctors for holding the charge of administrative position.

"The decision would help in better patient care, proper academic activities in medical colleges as also in effective implementation of National Health Programmes for delivery of health care services."

The government said the decision would not have much financial implications "as large number of posts are lying vacant and the present incumbents would continue to work in their existing capacity against sanctioned posts".

--IANS

vv-vn/mr/soni