In a significant move to bolster healthcare services, the Haryana government plans to appoint over 700 new medical officers in March, with approximately 200 being specialists. These appointments aim to enhance outpatient departments (OPDs) and emergency services across state-run hospitals.
The recruitment process, which included a written examination in Rohtak last December, has culminated in the selection of 777 medical officers. The results were recently published on the health department’s website, and candidates have been called for biometric verification and document validation in Panchkula. The final appointments are scheduled post the upcoming municipal elections.
Currently, Haryana faces a 23% vacancy rate in medical officer positions, with only 3,305 officers serving a population of 2.8 crore. This figure falls short of the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 100 doctors per lakh population. The induction of these new medical officers is expected to significantly improve healthcare accessibility and quality for residents statewide.
Despite the state’s 59 civil hospitals, 119 community health centres, and 486 primary health centres being overwhelmed with patients, staff shortages have exacerbated challenges in delivering effective medical services. The forthcoming appointments are anticipated to alleviate some of these pressures and strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure.