Lahore: The Punjab government has abolished 1,008 Grade-17 contract posts of Emergency Medical Officers across the province, leaving hundreds of doctors without employment just days before Eid ul-Fitr. The Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department issued the notification on March 14, 2026.
Authorities originally created these posts in 2018 to strengthen emergency services at district and tehsil headquarters hospitals. Doctors joined through interviews and worked rotational shifts, including mornings, evenings, and nights, with a monthly salary of Rs150,000 and a promised annual increment.
However, officials have now informed doctors hired in February 2018 that their contracts will not be extended. Meanwhile, those appointed in June 2018 will continue working until their agreements expire in June 2026. Consequently, many healthcare professionals now face uncertainty regarding their future employment.
At the same time, health authorities have redesigned the abolished positions as Medical Officer and Women Medical Officer roles under the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Services Rules, 2025. The provincial cabinet approved these rules in December 2025 to introduce a revised pay structure and improve workforce management.
Nevertheless, affected EMOs will not receive automatic placement in the new roles. Instead, they must compete for these positions by appearing in Punjab Public Service Commission examinations. Therefore, doctors who previously served in emergency wards must now undergo a fresh recruitment process to regain employment.
Overall, the decision has triggered concern among medical professionals, particularly given its timing before Eid and its potential impact on hospital staffing and service delivery.
