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The All Employees’ Welfare Association of the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) has formally requested an increase in the retirement age from 60 to 65 years. This demand, submitted in a memorandum to the institute's director, reflects a growing concern regarding the retention of experienced staff within the healthcare sector. Rationale Behind the Request In the memorandum presented on Saturday evening, Association president Dharmesh Kumar and general secretary Seema Shukla cited examples from prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), which have already adopted similar policies. They argue that as a leading super-specialty institute, SGPGIMS should align its practices with these institutions to retain skilled professionals for a longer duration. The association highlighted the ongoing shortage of trained healthcare professionals, exacerbated by a significant number of retirements in recent years. This shortage has increased the workload across various departments. By extending the retirement age, the association believes the institute can ensure continuity of expertise, facilitate the training of new staff, and maintain operational efficiency. Support for the Proposal The memorandum points out that many employees remain physically fit and professionally active at the age of 60, with their accumulated experience continuing to benefit the institution. The association noted that, given the increase in life expectancy and evolving work norms, employees can contribute effectively up to the age of 65. “Experienced staff play a crucial role in maintaining quality and stability within the institute. Their continued presence provides organisational continuity and helps groom the next generation of professionals,” the memorandum stated. The association further observed that numerous state and central institutions have already established a retirement age of 65 years, advocating for similar parity for SGPGIMS employees. They requested that the director forward this proposal to the Uttar Pradesh government for consideration, ensuring that both teaching and non-teaching staff can benefit equally from the change. Significance of the Change This request comes at a critical time when the healthcare sector is facing challenges due to workforce shortages. The demand to raise the retirement age from 60 to 65 years reflects a broader trend in the industry aimed at leveraging the experience and expertise of older employees, which is essential for maintaining the quality of care provided by institutions like SGPGIMS.
