Ranchi — In an unprecedented move, 126 specialist doctors have been appointed under Jharkhand’s National Health Mission (NHM) through a bidding-based process, where candidates selected postings by quoting the lowest expected honorarium.
Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari distributed appointment letters at an official event in Namkum, Ranchi, declaring the doctors key players in transforming healthcare delivery across the state.
Doctors were shown a list of vacant health centers and allowed to bid for their preferred postings. Those who quoted lower honorarium amounts were given priority in the selection process.
Congratulating the newly appointed professionals, Dr. Ansari said, “This is not just a job, it’s a mission. Every appointee will now act as the ‘Health Minister’ of their hospital. We are building Medicos Cities in every district.”
Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh stated that the innovative model is gaining national attention and might be replicated in other states, including Uttar Pradesh.
The appointments include a range of specializations such as pediatrics, general surgery, gynecology, anesthesiology, orthopedics, psychiatry, ENT, ophthalmology, dermatology, and radiology.
Despite 219 openings, only 126 doctors applied and qualified. As per the terms, they must live in state-provided housing and are restricted from private medical practice.
Given the acute doctor shortage in Jharkhand—with only 7,500 doctors available against a need for 37,000—the government hopes this unique strategy will attract professionals to rural and remote areas, enhancing healthcare delivery across the state.
With inputs from IANS