(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(By: Muhammad Mansoor Mumtaz, Lahore)
Blocking Appointment Orders of Merit-Selected Doctors Is a Violation of the Constitution and Law؛
President PMA
President of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Prof Dr Shahid Malik, has expressed serious concern over the unjustified delay in the appointment of consultant doctors selected purely on merit through the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC).
Dr Shahid Malik stated that despite completing all legal and administrative requirements, hundreds of consultant doctors from various specialties are still awaiting their appointment orders, even though formal recommendations have already been issued by the PPSC. He termed the withholding of appointment orders a clear violation of the Constitution of Pakistan and the fundamental principles of merit.
He revealed that certain officials of the Health Department, allegedly acting on the directives of the Secretary Health, have deliberately withheld the appointment orders. As a result, a severe shortage of consultants has emerged in government hospitals, directly affecting patient care and causing immense hardship to the public.
According to the PMA President, the PPSC issued merit lists for consultant doctors on the following dates:
Consultant Radiologists on March 7, 2025;
Consultant Urologists on March 11, 2025;
Consultant Pathologists on March 25, 2025;
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons on April 7, 2025;
Consultant Cardiologists on April 11, 2025;
Consultant Surgeons on April 17, 2025;
Consultant Anaesthetists on April 21, 2025;
Consultant Physicians on June 19, 2025;
Consultant Paediatricians on July 2, 2025;
and Gynaecologists on August 25, 2025.
Dr Shahid Malik further disclosed that on July 22, 2025 (Tuesday), when selected candidates approached the office of the Secretary Health to obtain their appointment orders, not only were the orders refused, but the candidates were also subjected to humiliating and harsh treatment and forcibly asked to leave the office. He described this behaviour as extremely regrettable and condemnable.
The President of the Pakistan Medical Association has appealed to the Chief Minister Punjab, the Chief Secretary Punjab, and the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court to take immediate notice of this grave injustice, ensure the issuance of appointment orders without further delay, and initiate action against the responsible officials. He emphasized that such steps are essential to uphold merit and to ensure that hardworking and deserving young doctors receive their rightful appointments.
Dr Shahid Malik made it clear that the Pakistan Medical Association will not remain silent on this issue and, if necessary, will exercise all available legal and democratic options to safeguard the rights of merit-selected doctors.
