Doctors’ retirement age increased to 65 years

Bhubaneswar: The state government on Tuesday increased the retirement age of doctors from 62 years to 65 years.
“Doctors have very crucial role during the pandemic. Keeping this in mind, chief minister Naveen Patnaik announced to increase their retirement age during a review of the Covid-19 situation,” a government statement said.
Around 8000 doctors of Odisha Health and Medical Services cadre, who work in district headquarters hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres will get additional three years of service. Retirement age of allopathic insurance medical officers working under labour department has also been revised to 65 years. The retirement age of medical teachers is already 65 years in the state.
The Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA), a body of government doctors, said the government should ensure certain stipulations for the extra years in service.
Extending the retirement age would mean the seniors would continue to remain in administrative posts such as directors of health, public health and medical education, besides several posts of joint directors. The government should ensure that doctors above 62 years are not be posted in administrative positions. They should only be engaged in patient care,” said OMSA president Narayan Rout.
Rout said doctors who may not be willing to serve after 62 years should have the option of voluntary retirements with full post-retirement benefits.
The government sanctioned Rs 15 crore each for Khurda and Cuttack districts from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the pandemic fight. More than one lakh people have returned back from outside the state to Khurda and Cuttack. In spite of the large influx of migrants, the situation is under control with recovery rate of 70% in Khurda and 71% in Cuttack, which is much above the national average of 63%, a government statement said.