Specialist Medical Officers over 63 years get one more year’s extension

Specialist Medical Officers who reach 63 years- under the revised mandatory retirement age will be allowed to serve one more year until a suitable successor is appointed to the vacant posts, a new circular said.

According to the circular issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Health, the new amendment to the retirement age which came into effect following a recent Cabinet decision applies to Specialist Medical Officers, All Grade Medical Officers, Dental Surgeons, and registered medical practitioners who currently serve under the ministry.

"If a Specialist Medical Officer has already reached the age of 63 and if the post becomes vacant without a suitable successor, that specialist medical officer may serve on the same post on a contract basis until a suitable replacement is appointed for one year, subjected to the pending approval of Public Service Commission”, circular added.

Under the new directive, medical officers who are completing the age of 63 years before December 31, next year should be retired on that day, Secretary S. Janaka Chandraguptha said in the circular, addressed to Provincial Health Secretaries, Deputy Directors of National hospitals and Medical Superintendent of Base hospitals.

However, the mandatory retirement age of all categories of Medical officers will remain 60 years as equal to all other government servants from December 31, next year onwards.

“The proposed interim retirement age extension should be applied strictly to all categories of Medical Officers serving under the Ministry of Health and Provincial Councils to ensure the continuity of free healthcare services in the country and to overcome current challenges,” Secretary Chandraguptha stressed.