Chandigarh: ThePunjab Governmenthas extended the tenure of Dr. Hitender Kaur, Director Health Services, by one year. Dr. Kaur, who was scheduled to retire on October 31, 2025, upon attaining the age of superannuation at 58 years, will now continue in service until October 31, 2026. The Punjab Health and Family Welfare Department issued an official notification approving the extension, enabling Dr. Kaur to carry on with her responsibilities for another year. The decision ensures continuity in leadership within the department’s family welfare initiatives and ongoing health programs. Kumar Rahul, IAS, Principal Secretary, Government of Punjab, Department of Health and Family Welfare issued an order for public interest and “To ensure continuity, sustainability and successful implementation of major health programmes, infrastructure projects and departmental restructuring exercise underway in the State and in accordance with the provisions contained in the Punjab Civil Services Rules, Vol. Part I, Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Service No. 5650/5660, Director Health Services is granted an extension of one year in his service.” “As per rule 3.26 (b) of Part-1, he will be entitled to salary draw. That is, he will get more years of service equal to the last salary available on the date of retirement. All pensionary benefits available to the concerned officer after retirement will be available only after the expiry of the extension in his service period. During the extended service, the benefit of promotion, DACP/MACP, etc., annual increment, and future revision of pay scales by the Government will not be available,” the order further added. PCMSA expressed its heartiest congratulations to Dr. Hitinder Kaur on being appointed as Director of Health Services, Punjab. “Dr. Hitinder was earlier holding the charge of Additional Director, Health Services, Punjab. Notably, after a long hiatus, the Health Department has got a regular Director of Health Services. PCMSA expresses gratitude towards PSHFW Sh. Kumar Rahul for his timely approval of this all-important DPC,” the association stated.