In a significant administrative decision, the state Health Department has initiated the process to recruit 287 doctors across various hospitals and healthcare centres in the state. The move aims to strengthen the public health infrastructure and ensure better medical services, particularly in the remote hill districts where specialist availability has long been a concern.
Our correspondent reports that out of the 287 posts, 231 will be filled through direct recruitment, while 56 positions belong to the backlog category that have remained vacant for years due to procedural delays and staff transfers. The recruitment proposal has been formally approved by the Health Department and sent to the Uttarakhand Medical Services Selection Board (UKMSSB) for action.
Officials confirmed that the recruitment drive will focus on deploying doctors to district hospitals, community health centres, and primary health units, with a special priority for rural and hilly regions. Once the board finalises the recruitment advertisement, applications will be invited, and the selection process is expected to begin within a few weeks.
According to the Health Department, this initiative is a part of a larger plan to reduce the shortage of medical staff and improve healthcare access in underserved regions. The department has also proposed that doctors posted in remote areas will be eligible for special incentives and allowances, encouraging longer tenure and continuity of service in challenging terrains.
Our correspondent adds that Secretary of Health, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, has directed district health officers to submit data on existing staff positions and vacant posts to streamline deployment planning. He emphasised that every resident of Uttarakhand deserves access to timely medical care and that strengthening healthcare at the grassroots level remains a top government priority.
The new recruitment plan comes at a crucial time, as patient loads in government hospitals and rural healthcare centres have significantly increased in recent years. The move is expected to reduce the burden on existing medical officers and improve service efficiency in both outpatient and emergency care.
Officials stated that apart from medical officers, the state is also planning to hire paramedical staff, pharmacists, and nurses under a separate recruitment phase to ensure complete support at every level of public healthcare. This comprehensive approach, they said, would help create a well-balanced healthcare system across all districts.
Health experts have welcomed the announcement, calling it an important step toward improving the doctor-to-patient ratio in the state. They noted that sustained recruitment, retention policies, and improved working conditions will play a vital role in addressing long-term healthcare challenges in Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrain.
The government has also emphasised the need for periodic performance evaluation of newly appointed doctors to ensure accountability and better delivery of services. Regular reviews will be conducted at the state and district levels to monitor attendance, infrastructure utilisation, and patient satisfaction.
Citizens’ groups and medical associations have expressed optimism that this recruitment drive will bring tangible changes to public healthcare facilities. The initiative aligns with the state’s broader vision of providing accessible, affordable, and quality medical care for all, especially as Uttarakhand celebrates its silver jubilee year.
The recruitment of 287 doctors marks another major milestone in the Dhami government’s continued focus on health-sector reforms and good governance.
