Medical Bodies Reject Retirement Age Hike Proposal
Junior doctors, senior residents, and young specialists across Telangana have strongly opposed a reported proposal to increase the retirement age of teaching faculty in government medical colleges from 65 to 70 years. They warned that such a move would restrict recruitment opportunities, delay promotions, and worsen career stagnation in the state’s medical education system.
The opposition comes amid reports that efforts are underway to persuade the state government to extend the retirement age of professors and senior faculty members by an additional five years. Although the government has not made any official announcement, several doctors’ associations—including the Telangana Senior Residents Doctors Association (T-SRDA), Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T-JUDA), Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA), and members of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA)—have voiced strong objections.
Vacancies Crucial for Academic Progression
Medical bodies argued that vacancies created through retirements are crucial for academic progression and employment opportunities for younger doctors. They said extending the retirement age would delay promotions for assistant professors, associate professors, and professors, while also reducing recruitment opportunities for senior residents and newly qualified specialists.
“Such a move will directly block the recruitment of young specialists, delay promotions at every level, and create long-term stagnation in medical academia. Medical education cannot progress if vacancies are not created and fresh talent is denied entry,” said Dr D Srinath of T-SRDA and FAIMA.
Focus on Filling Existing Vacancies, Not Extending Age
Experts also questioned the rationale behind the proposal, saying the state should instead focus on filling existing vacancies through regular recruitment drives. “Nearly 1,900 assistant professor posts remain vacant. The solution to faculty shortages lies in conducting multiple and regular recruitment drives, not in extending the retirement age,” said Dr Karthik Nagula of HRDA.
Doctors’ associations further highlighted delays in recruitment by the Medical and Health Services Recruitment Board (MHSRB). Dr Srinath pointed out that 243 of the 607 assistant professor posts notified in the latest recruitment drive remained unfilled.
“The government’s reliance on raising the retirement age is a clear admission of administrative failure. Instead of fixing a slow recruitment system, it is blocking the career progression of the next generation,” he said.
Demands for Faster Recruitment and Threat of Protests
While the government has yet to clarify its position, doctors’ associations have demanded faster recruitment processes, waiting-list mechanisms, and timely promotions. They have also warned of statewide protests if the proposal is implemented.
