FAISALABAD - Questions have been raised over the alleged disregard of merit and seniority in the Health Department following the appointment of a junior officer as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the District Health Authority Faisalabad. According to a notification issued by the Secretary of Health and Population Department Punjab, Dr. Muhammad Shehzad Mehmood, District Health Officer of Toba Tek Singh, who belongs to Grade-17, has been appointed as the CEO of District Health Authority Faisalabad.
Notification Details
The notification further stated that the charge of CEO Health Faisalabad has been withdrawn from Dr. Shahbaz Ahmad, who has now been posted as Medical Superintendent of General Hospital Samanabad on a permanent basis. Previously, Dr. Shahbaz, an Additional Principal Medical Officer in Grade-19, was simultaneously performing duties as CEO Health Faisalabad and MS General Hospital Samanabad.
Seniority Concerns
Sources claim that the post of CEO, District Health Authority Faisalabad, is generally reserved for officers of Grade-19 or Grade-20. Faisalabad is the second-largest city of Punjab and the third-largest city in Pakistan, requiring highly experienced administrative leadership for effective management of health affairs. It is further alleged that several senior officers were overlooked based on seniority in the recent appointment, while a Grade-17 officer was appointed as CEO Health, raising concerns within health department circles.
The District Health Officer Preventive Services Faisalabad, Dr. Muhammad Khawar Shaukat, working under the CEO Health, is also a Grade-18 officer, while his predecessor, Dr. Azmat Abbas, was a Grade-19 Additional Principal Medical Officer. It is further noted that several other senior officers continue to serve in positions subordinate to the CEO based on seniority hierarchy.
Impact on Administration
Health Department insiders report growing concern among senior officers over the alleged disregard of merit and seniority, which may affect administrative performance. They emphasize that appointments to key administrative positions should strictly follow merit, seniority, and experience to ensure smooth and effective functioning of the institution.
