Chandigarh, Oct 29 — The Punjab government on Monday evening granted a one-year extension in service to Director Health Services Dr Hitinder Kaur, who was set to retire on October 31, 2025.
The order, issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, allows Dr Kaur to continue in her post until October 31, 2026. The government cited the “need for experienced leadership in government health institutions” as the primary reason for extending her tenure.
The extension has been granted under Rule 3.26(b) of the Punjab Civil Services Rules. According to the notification, Dr Kaur will not be entitled to any additional increments or promotions during the extended period, and the government reserves the right to withdraw the extension in case of any complaint or misconduct.
Dr Kaur has been serving as the Director Health Services for nearly one and a half years and is credited with steering the department through key reforms and health infrastructure upgrades.
Senior officials said such extensions at the director level are rare. “The last instance was in 2016, when Dr H.S. Bali received two consecutive extensions during the SAD–BJP government,” one official recalled. “His tenure ended abruptly after the Congress government took over.”
The Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) Association has not issued a formal statement yet. However, sources said reactions within the department are mixed. While several senior officers reportedly expressed disappointment over being overlooked, others welcomed the decision.
“As director, Dr Kaur has consistently supported our demands and worked to resolve long-pending issues with the government,” said an office bearer of the PCMS association. “We have decided not to oppose her extension.”
Repeated attempts to reach Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh for comment were unsuccessful.
