Punjab Medical Universities VC Selection Halted as Age Limit Revision Proposed
The Punjab government has halted the selection process for vice chancellors at five public medical universities and proposed increasing the maximum age limit for candidates from 65 to 75 years. The move has sparked debate within the medical community, as dozens of applicants had already submitted their applications under the existing criteria.
The health department had invited applications for the positions earlier this year. Around 46 candidates, most of them serving senior doctors and academics, applied before the May 6 deadline. However, authorities have now stopped the process while considering changes to the eligibility rules.
Proposed Change Sparks Debate
According to officials familiar with the matter, candidates were waiting for the scrutiny of their applications when the government cancelled the selection process. The proposed increase in the age limit has triggered concerns among many applicants.
Several members of the medical fraternity believe the change could alter the competition. They argue that raising the upper age limit may benefit retired or near-retirement administrators who previously served as vice chancellors, principals, or senior academic leaders.
Some officials have also claimed that the proposal could help experienced candidates seek another term in office. However, the government has not linked the proposal to any specific individual. The health department is reportedly considering an ordinance to provide legal backing for the revised age criteria.
Government Defends the Proposal
The terms of vice chancellors at five major medical universities will end in July 2026. These institutions include the University of Health Sciences, King Edward Medical University, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Rawalpindi Medical University, and Faisalabad Medical University.
Specialized Healthcare Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique confirmed that the department is working on a proposal to raise the age limit. He said the government wants to benefit from the expertise of highly experienced medical educators and administrators.
The minister rejected claims that the proposal favors any individual. Instead, he argued that senior professionals with extensive leadership experience can strengthen medical education, research, and institutional governance. Meanwhile, stakeholders continue to debate whether experience or fresh leadership should guide the future of Punjab’s medical universities.
