Administrative Delay in Health and Population Department Leaves Over 850 Doctors Awaiting Decisions on Transfer Applications

By Farzana Chaudhry Lahore Pakistan

Lahore: Due to administrative inefficiency and unnecessary delays in the Punjab Health and Population Department, approximately 850 doctors are facing serious difficulties in obtaining their rightful transfers under the applicable transfer policy.

According to details, more than 850 doctors submitted applications for transfer from the Health and Population Department to the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department. All of these doctors have completed the required three years of service under the relevant policy and are eligible for transfer; however, their applications have remained pending for a prolonged period.

Professor Shahid Malik, President of the Pakistan Medical Association, expressed serious concern over the situation and stated that it is deeply regrettable and condemnable that not even a single application has been decided so far by the Secretary, Health and Population Department, Ms. Nadia Saqib.

He said that because of the failure to decide these applications in a timely manner, doctors are suffering from mental distress, professional uncertainty, and administrative difficulties. He added that due to this delay by the Health and Population Department, the affected doctors have been left with no effective option other than approaching the Lahore High Court to protect their legal rights.

Professor Shahid Malik demanded that the Chief Minister of Punjab take immediate notice of the matter and issue a clear deadline to the Secretary, Health and Population Department, so that all pending transfer applications may be decided promptly, transparently, and strictly on merit.

He further stated that failure to take timely administrative action may result in unnecessary constitutional petitions, legal proceedings, and wastage of public resources, affecting not only the doctors but also the department itself.

The Pakistan Medical Association has urged the Punjab Government to ensure that all pending applications are decided without further delay and that all affected doctors are granted their rightful entitlement under the transfer policy.