🏥 Punjab Announces New Summer Vacation Policy for Medical Teaching Faculty
In a significant move to balance healthcare services with academic responsibilities, the Department of Specialized Health Care and Medical Education, Punjab has officially announced a new summer vacation policy for medical teaching faculty. The policy will come into effect from August 1, 2025, across all public medical colleges and affiliated teaching hospitals in the province.
🔍 What’s New in the Policy?
According to the official notification:
✅ Vacation Duration: Teaching faculty will be eligible for only 3 weeks of summer vacation, which will be deducted from their earned leave.
✅ Not an Entitlement: The department clarified that this leave is a facility, not a right, and must be managed without affecting clinical services.
✅ Who It Applies To:
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Professors
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Associate Professors
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Assistant Professors
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Senior Registrars
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Demonstrators
✅ Duty Rotations Must Be Maintained:
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67% of clinical faculty must remain on duty
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50% of basic sciences faculty must also be present
This ensures the uninterrupted operation of tertiary care hospitals and patient care services.
✅ Leave Management Committees:
Each institution must form a Leave Management Committee led by the Principal, CEO/COO/MD, Medical Superintendent, and Senior Head of Department. These committees are tasked with preparing and submitting a final vacation duty roster by April 30 every year.
🩺 Why This Policy Matters
Tertiary hospitals affiliated with medical colleges are not only training grounds for future doctors but also essential care hubs for the public. With this policy, Punjab aims to prevent disruption in healthcare services while allowing faculty a limited period of academic leave.
This policy strikes a careful balance between education and service delivery, ensuring that patient care remains the top priority—even during summer breaks.