How Did 126 Specialist Doctors in Jharkhand Get Appointed Through a Bidding Process?

Ranchi, July 22 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking initiative, the Jharkhand government has successfully appointed 126 specialist doctors as part of the National Health Mission (NHM) through a unique bidding-based selection method. This innovative approach enables doctors to select their desired posting by quoting the lowest honorarium.

During a ceremony at the IPH Auditorium in Namkum, Ranchi, Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari presented appointment letters to the chosen specialists.

This system allowed the doctors to review a list of available health centers throughout the state, granting them the ability to choose their preferred posting, with priority given to those who offered the lowest honorarium for their selected location.

Dr Ansari expressed his vision, stating, “We aspire to transform every district in Jharkhand into a Medicos City. Our aim is to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare within their own district. These doctors are not merely receiving appointments; they are being given significant responsibilities. From this point forward, each of them will act as the 'Health Minister' of their respective hospitals.”

Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh highlighted that these appointments are part of a larger strategy to enhance healthcare accessibility across Jharkhand.

“This initiative transcends mere employment; it is a mission to deliver specialist care to every area of the state. The Sadar Hospital in Ranchi is already being recognized as a national model, with the Uttar Pradesh government requesting us to showcase our innovative approach,” he remarked.

The appointments consist of 22 pediatricians, 20 surgeons, 19 gynecologists, 17 anesthetists, 11 general physicians, 10 orthopedic surgeons, 9 ophthalmologists, 5 ENT specialists, 5 psychiatrists, 4 radiologists, and 4 dermatologists.

Although the health department sought to fill 219 doctor positions, only 126 physicians applied and completed the selection process, leaving 93 positions vacant.

Selected doctors are required to live in government-provided accommodations and are not permitted to engage in private practice.

This method is expected to motivate doctors to serve in rural and remote areas, thereby enhancing the overall quality and reach of healthcare services. Plans are in place to apply this model for future appointments.

It is important to note that Jharkhand is facing a critical shortage of doctors. While the state requires 37,000 doctors based on its population, only 7,500 are currently available, with specialists being particularly scarce—only 300 are currently serving compared to 1,200 sanctioned posts.