Offers up to ₹2.5 lakh pay
Shimla
In a move aimed at strengthening healthcare services, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to reappoint 55 retired professors across state-run medical colleges, sparking debate among job-seeking youth.
The decision comes as the government looks to address a persistent shortage of specialist faculty that has been affecting both medical education and patient care. Instead of announcing fresh recruitment, the state has opted to bring back experienced, retired professionals on a contractual basis.
According to official information, the appointments will be made in four medical colleges — Nerchowk (16 posts), Hamirpur (15), Nahan (12) and Chamba (12). Notably, IGMC Shimla and Tanda Medical College have been kept out of this exercise.
Selected candidates will be paid up to ₹2.5 lakh per month, a factor that has triggered criticism, especially as unemployed youth continue to await new job opportunities. Questions are also being raised over the government citing financial constraints while offering high salaries to retired personnel.
The government, however, has defended the move, stating that acute faculty shortages, particularly in super-speciality subjects, had disrupted teaching and treatment services. Officials said the temporary appointments would help stabilise healthcare delivery and ensure quality education for medical students.
The recruitment will be purely on a contract basis, with applicants required to submit an undertaking for a fixed tenure. The health department has invited eligible retired professors to apply at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the state’s HPV vaccination campaign is gaining momentum. In the first phase, Kullu district topped the chart with 413 girls vaccinated, followed by Shimla (284) and Mandi (282). A total of 2,522 girls were covered across Himachal Pradesh. The second phase began on April 5, with encouraging participation reported from other districts as well.
