Health staff recalled amid emergency preparedness

The Punjab Health Department has cancelled all types of leaves for medical professionals under its jurisdiction, citing the need for maximum workforce availability amid heightened security concerns following recent developments along the eastern border.

According to a notification issued by the Secretary of the Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department, all earned, casual, and extraordinary leaves (EOL) for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals have been revoked with immediate effect.

The directive, referenced as NO.E&A(Health)1-454/2019, follows an earlier order dated April 28, 2025.

The notification explicitly states that all kinds of leaves stand cancelled until further notice, with a few exceptions. These include ex-Pakistan leave, Hajj/Umrah leave, medical leave, maternity leave, study leave, and Iddat leave.

Medical professionals currently on leave have been instructed to report back to their respective departments or institutions without delay.

In compliance with the order, medical and paramedical staff across Rawalpindi's hospitals and health education institutions have returned to duty.