The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has issued new guidelines for appointing Heads of Department (HoDs) in three Central Government Hospitals and their associated Medical Colleges. These guidelines are dated May 17, 2024.
The guidelines present the following key aspects:
Selection Committee
A Standing Selection Committee (SSC) will be formed to oversee the selection process. The committee will include representatives from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the three hospitals, and a medical institution from outside the system.
Application Process
Vacancies will be advertised widely online and on hospital notice boards. Eligible CHS officers (Central Health Service) in Pay Level-14 can apply. If no suitable candidates are found, doctors in Pay Level-13 may be considered.
Applications will be submitted electronically after verification by the hospital Director/MS.
Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process
Applicants must have at least one year of remaining service on the date of vacancy. HoDs of broad and super-specialty courses typically require a recognized postgraduate degree in the specific specialty. There may be a relaxation for recently established courses.
The SSC will consider the past five years’ appraisals, integrity record, and a candidate presentation. Interviews will be conducted, and a panel of at least three candidates will be shortlisted for each HoD position.
Tenure
The HoD term is three years or until the age of 62, whichever comes first. A maximum of two terms is allowed per person during their career. The committee can remove an HoD before their term ends for valid reasons.
These guidelines aim to create a more transparent and standardized selection process for HoDs. The emphasis on eligibility and qualifications aims to ensure qualified leadership for these departments.
