About Healthcare Services
Pakistan's government healthcare system encompasses federal and provincial health departments, teaching hospitals, district hospitals, rural health centers, and basic health units. Medical professionals in government service follow a structured career path with defined designations and pay scales.
The healthcare sector offers diverse opportunities for doctors, specialists, nurses, paramedical staff, and healthcare administrators. Government hospitals provide free or subsidized healthcare to millions of citizens across Pakistan.
Medical Officers Hierarchy & Designations
Senior Administrative Positions
| Designation | Grade (BPS) | Basic Salary Range | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary Health (Provincial) | BPS-21 | PKR 112,830 - 337,805 | Overall health policy and administration |
| Additional Secretary Health | BPS-20 | PKR 100,180 - 299,895 | Assist Secretary in policy implementation |
| Director General Health Services | BPS-20 | PKR 100,180 - 299,895 | Supervise all health facilities in province |
| Additional Director General | BPS-19 | PKR 89,590 - 268,180 | Regional health services coordination |
Hospital Administrative Positions
| Designation | Grade (BPS) | Basic Salary Range | Hospital Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Superintendent (MS) | BPS-19/20 | PKR 89,590 - 299,895 | Teaching/Major Hospitals |
| Chief Medical Officer (CMO) | BPS-18/19 | PKR 81,070 - 268,180 | District Headquarters Hospital |
| District Health Officer (DHO) | BPS-18 | PKR 81,070 - 243,015 | District Level Health Administration |
| Additional Medical Superintendent | BPS-18 | PKR 81,070 - 243,015 | Large Teaching Hospitals |
Medical Officers (General & Specialists)
| Designation | Grade (BPS) | Basic Salary Range | Qualification Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Consultant / Professor | BPS-20 | PKR 100,180 - 299,895 | FCPS/MD + Experience |
| Associate Professor | BPS-19 | PKR 89,590 - 268,180 | FCPS/MD + 8-10 years |
| Assistant Professor | BPS-18 | PKR 81,070 - 243,015 | FCPS/MD + 5 years |
| Senior Registrar / Specialist | BPS-18 | PKR 81,070 - 243,015 | FCPS/MD |
| Registrar / Medical Specialist | BPS-17 | PKR 67,290 - 212,475 | FCPS Part-I or pursuing |
| Medical Officer (MO) | BPS-17 | PKR 67,290 - 212,475 | MBBS |
| Woman Medical Officer (WMO) | BPS-17 | PKR 67,290 - 212,475 | MBBS |
Dental & Allied Health Professionals
Dental Services
| Designation | Grade (BPS) | Basic Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Professor of Dentistry | BPS-20 | PKR 100,180 - 299,895 |
| Associate Professor (Dental) | BPS-19 | PKR 89,590 - 268,180 |
| Assistant Professor (Dental) | BPS-18 | PKR 81,070 - 243,015 |
| Senior Dental Surgeon | BPS-18 | PKR 81,070 - 243,015 |
| Dental Surgeon | BPS-17 | PKR 67,290 - 212,475 |
Pharmacy Services
| Designation | Grade (BPS) | Basic Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Pharmacist | BPS-18 | PKR 81,070 - 243,015 |
| Senior Pharmacist | BPS-17 | PKR 67,290 - 212,475 |
| Pharmacist | BPS-16 | PKR 42,800 - 90,231 |
Nursing & Paramedical Staff
| Designation | Grade (BPS) | Basic Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Nursing Superintendent | BPS-18 | PKR 81,070 - 243,015 |
| Senior Nursing Superintendent | BPS-17 | PKR 67,290 - 212,475 |
| Nursing Superintendent / Sister | BPS-16 | PKR 42,800 - 90,231 |
| Staff Nurse | BPS-11-14 | PKR 23,790 - 68,590 |
| Lady Health Visitor (LHV) | BPS-11-14 | PKR 23,790 - 68,590 |
| Medical Technologist / Lab Technician | BPS-11-16 | PKR 23,790 - 90,231 |
| Radiographer / X-Ray Technician | BPS-11-16 | PKR 23,790 - 90,231 |
Career Progression for Medical Officers
Medical Officer (Entry Level)
Fresh MBBS graduates join as Medical Officer (BPS-17) through PPSC/SPSC/KPPSC/BPSC recruitment.
Specialization (FCPS/MD/MS)
Complete 4-5 years residency/fellowship in chosen specialty while working in government hospital.
Senior Registrar / Specialist
After completing FCPS/MD, promoted to Senior Registrar or Specialist (BPS-18).
Assistant Professor (Teaching Hospitals)
With 5+ years experience post-specialization, eligible for Assistant Professor (BPS-18).
Associate Professor
After 8-10 years as specialist/assistant professor, promotion to Associate Professor (BPS-19).
Professor / Senior Consultant
Senior-most position (BPS-20) achieved through excellence in clinical work, research, and teaching.
Administrative Roles
Experienced doctors can become MS, CMO, DHO, or Director General Health Services (BPS-19/20).
Medical Specializations in Government Hospitals
Medicine
Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology
Surgery
General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Vascular Surgery
Gynecology & Obstetrics
Women's health, pregnancy care, maternal medicine, reproductive health, gynecological surgery
Pediatrics
Child health, neonatology, pediatric surgery, pediatric cardiology, developmental pediatrics
Radiology
Diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine
Pathology
Clinical pathology, histopathology, chemical pathology, hematology, microbiology
Anesthesiology
Anesthesia, pain management, critical care, intensive care unit management
ENT
Ear, Nose, Throat surgery and treatment, head and neck surgery
Ophthalmology
Eye diseases, cataract surgery, retinal diseases, glaucoma treatment
Dermatology
Skin diseases, cosmetic dermatology, sexually transmitted diseases
Psychiatry
Mental health, psychological disorders, substance abuse, child psychiatry
Emergency Medicine
Emergency care, trauma management, critical patient stabilization
Benefits & Allowances for Medical Staff
Financial Benefits
- Basic Salary: As per BPS scale (BPS-17 to BPS-20/21)
- Medical Allowance: 15-20% of basic pay
- Special Professional Allowance: 25-40% of basic pay for specialists
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): 30-45% based on posting location
- Conveyance Allowance: For official travel and duties
- Specialist Allowance: Additional 30-40% for FCPS/MD qualified doctors
- Non-Practicing Allowance: Compensation for not doing private practice
- Rural Allowance: Extra 15-20% for doctors posted in rural areas
Non-Financial Benefits
- Free/subsidized residential accommodation in hospital premises
- Medical coverage for self and dependent family members
- Job security and pension after retirement
- Study leave for higher studies and specialization (FCPS/MD/MS/PhD)
- Training opportunities locally and abroad
- Research facilities in teaching hospitals
- Annual increments and promotions based on performance
- Children education allowance and scholarships
- Provident fund and gratuity on retirement
Teaching Hospital Additional Benefits
- Academic environment with teaching responsibilities
- Research grants and funding opportunities
- Access to latest medical equipment and technology
- Opportunities for publications and conferences
- Networking with medical professionals nationally and internationally
Recruitment Process
For Medical Officers (MBBS)
- Qualification: MBBS degree from PMDC/PMC recognized medical college
- Registration: Valid registration with Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC)
- Age Limit: 25-40 years (relaxation for specialists and experienced doctors)
- Recruitment Through: Provincial Public Service Commissions (PPSC, SPSC, KPPSC, BPSC)
- Selection Process: Written test (if required), credentials evaluation, interview
- House Job: Completed 1 year mandatory house job required
For Specialists (FCPS/MD/MS)
- Qualification: MBBS + FCPS/MD/MS in relevant specialty
- Experience: Variable based on position (Assistant Professor requires 5+ years post-FCPS)
- Recruitment: Through PSC or direct hiring by hospital administration
- Selection: Credentials assessment, research publications, interview
For Nurses & Paramedical Staff
- Staff Nurse: Nursing diploma/BSc Nursing from PNC recognized institute
- Lady Health Visitor: LHV diploma from recognized institute
- Technicians: Relevant diploma/degree in medical technology, radiology, pharmacy
- Age Limit: 18-30 years (varies by position)
- Selection: Written test, practical test, interview
Major Government Healthcare Institutions
Teaching Hospitals
Services Hospital, Lahore
1,800+ beds, major teaching hospital affiliated with Services Institute of Medical Sciences
Mayo Hospital, Lahore
2,200+ beds, one of oldest and largest hospitals, attached to King Edward Medical University
Jinnah Hospital, Lahore
1,400+ beds, teaching hospital for Allama Iqbal Medical College
Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS)
Islamabad - 1,000+ beds, federal teaching hospital
Civil Hospital, Karachi
1,900+ beds, largest hospital in Sindh, teaching facility for Dow Medical College
Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC)
Karachi - 1,200+ beds, premier postgraduate training center
Lady Reading Hospital (LRH)
Peshawar - 1,500+ beds, largest hospital in KPK
Sandeman Provincial Hospital
Quetta - 750+ beds, major teaching hospital in Balochistan
Specialized Institutes
National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD)
Karachi - Leading cardiac care center
Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC)
Rawalpindi - Premier cardiac hospital
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital
Lahore & Peshawar - Cancer treatment and research
Institute of Child Health (ICH)
Multiple cities - Pediatric specialization
Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology (PIO)
Islamabad - Eye care specialization
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Rawalpindi - Psychiatric care center
Provincial Health Departments
Punjab Health Department
Hospitals: 350+ facilities
Medical Staff: 100,000+
Website: health.punjab.gov.pk
Sindh Health Department
Hospitals: 250+ facilities
Medical Staff: 70,000+
Website: health.sindhgov.pk
KPK Health Department
Hospitals: 200+ facilities
Medical Staff: 45,000+
Website: health.kp.gov.pk
Balochistan Health Department
Hospitals: 100+ facilities
Medical Staff: 20,000+
Website: health.balochistan.gov.pk