Govt docs can work till 62

The government on Friday issued a resolution raising the retirement age of medical teachers working in government medical colleges-cum-hospitals from 58 to 62 years.

The government on Friday issued a resolution raising the retirement age of medical teachers working in government medical colleges-cum-hospitals from 58 to 62 years.

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The move will benefit a number of doctors, including Dr Lata Godale, who has been teaching medical students at VM Government Medical College at Solapur for the past 32 years.

On May 31, when Godale turns 58, the professor of Preventive and Social Medicine would have to retire and look for a job at a private medical college. But that won’t be the case anymore.

Roughly 350 teachers like Godale, who turn 58 this year, will be able to continue in their jobs. “I can earn more in a private college but I want to teach students here. I am glad that the government has revised the retirement age,” Godale said.

Roughly 20 per cent of the posts of medical teachers at 14 state medical colleges are vacant and the government is struggling to find candidates.

“The increase in retirement age will not only benefit teachers, who had no choice but to work at private hospitals after turning 58, but it will also be good for patients as experienced doctors will continue to treat them,” said Dr NN Ramraje, president, Maharashtra State Medical Teachers’ Association.