1. Role Overview
Public sector medical doctors typically serve in hospitals and healthcare settings such as DHQ/THQ hospitals, teaching hospitals, and health department clinics under provincial jurisdictions like the Punjab Health Department. They may also work in institutions like PIMS in Islamabad . These roles can include general duty medical officers (BPS-17) as well as specialized positions (often BPS-18) after advanced training or certification.
2. Eligibility & Qualification
- Basic Qualification: MBBS degree recognized by the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC).
- Medical Officer (BPS-17): Entry-level roles typically require completion of house job.
- Specialist (BPS-18+): Require postgraduate credentials such as FCPS, MCPS, or FCPS-II after completing Fellowship training in your chosen specialty
From community insights:
“If you want to apply as a GDMO (General Duty Medical Officer) you need 1 or 2 years of experience (your house job counts as one)”
Many doctors report sluggish salaries in private sector roles, urging public sector postings as preferable despite challenges
3. How to Apply
- Check Public Service Commission Announcements:
- For federal roles, monitor FPSC listings.
- For provincial roles, visit body sites like PPSC, SPSC, etc. For example, SPSC lists Medical Officer (BPS-17) and Women Medical Officer positions and provides detailed test/interview schedules
- Application Steps via PPSC/SPSC/FPSC:
- Apply online through the relevant commission’s portal.
- Upload credentials: MBBS (and postgraduate certification, if applicable), CNIC, photo, and domicile.
- Pay the application fee via bank challan.
- Appear for written screening and interview as scheduled.
4. Perks and Challenges
- Compensation: Government salaries range from moderate for MOs (BPS-17) to higher for specialists (BPS-18+), especially post-FCPS
- Challenges: Many doctors express frustration over underpaid roles: “Doctors are treated like slaves… even professors make 250k [PKR] at most at age 45…”
Reports of long working hours and low pay contribute to mental stress and dissatisfaction
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry Role | Medical Officer (BPS-17): MBBS + house job |
| Specialist Role | BPS-18+: Requires FCPS/MCPS and training |
| Application Portal | FPSC, PPSC, SPSC depending on jurisdiction |
| Docs Required | MBBS, house job completion, CNIC, domicile, postgraduate cert (if applicable) |
| Tests | Written and Viva/Interview stages |
| Pros | Stable employment, structured salary, training opportunities |
| Cons | High workload, relatively low pay, significant competition |