PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Health Department has announced plans to recruit medical officers and specialist doctors on a contract basis to tackle the shortage of healthcare professionals in the province. This move aims to improve services at District Headquarters Hospitals (DHQs).
In the first phase, 115 medical officers and 51 specialist doctors will be hired. The Health Advisor approved the recruitment, stating it will create jobs for doctors and improve healthcare access for the public.
Local doctors will be given priority and posted in their own areas, with no transfers to other hospitals.
Earlier this year, the K-P government also decided to fill 248 vacant management posts in the Health Department. Additionally, the hiring of 600 specialist doctors through the Public Service Commission (PSC) is being sped up.
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The Provincial Doctors Association welcomed the decision, as these posts had been empty for years. The Health Advisor also approved a five-year age relaxation (beyond the previous 32-year limit) for applicants.
The Health Advisor has instructed officials to send the 600 specialist doctor vacancies to the PSC immediately. Data on all specialist doctors in the province will also be collected to help fill gaps where needed.
Moreover, the long-pending issue of Grade 17 doctors’ seniority lists has been resolved, and steps are being taken for their promotions.
