Amid Staff Shortage, Minister Proposes Higher Retirement Age for Medical Professors

In response to a significant number of vacant professor posts in government medical colleges, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has suggested considering an increase in the retirement age for professors. Currently, professors in the state retire at 63.

During a review meeting on July 9, the Minister noted that out of 800 sanctioned professor positions across 17 government medical colleges, approximately 200 remain unfilled. This shortage, he said, is affecting the quality of medical education. In 16 super-speciality departments, 106 out of 159 professor posts are vacant.

According to a department press release, the National Medical Commission (NMC) requires one professor for every three postgraduate seats. In private colleges, where the retirement age is 70, such shortages are not as acute, the Minister observed.

While professor posts are filled through promotions, vacancies arise due to ineligible candidates. Emphasising the importance of quality medical education, the Minister directed the Director of Medical Education, A. Vishnu Vardhan, to examine the issue and prepare a report recommending a revised retirement age.

The meeting also addressed violations in some private colleges. The Minister instructed officials to investigate and ensure compliance with NMC norms. He asked the Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences to conduct surprise inspections and implement corrective measures.

On fund utilisation, officials reported that out of the ₹18,216 crore allocated for health in Budget 2026-27, ₹4,130 crore (22.72%) was spent in the first quarter (April–June). The Minister expressed satisfaction but called for better utilisation of central assistance.

Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar, Director of Medical Education Dr. Vishnu Vardhan, Director of Secondary Health K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu, Director of Public Health Dr. Padmavathi, and others attended the meeting.