In a move widely welcomed by the medical community, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday announced that doctors in the state’s Provincial Medical Services cadre will now receive the benefit of the SD ACP (Assured Career Progression) scheme. The decision, hailed as a major relief for doctors working in challenging conditions across the state, is expected to enhance financial stability and boost morale in the healthcare sector.
Recognising the Role of Doctors Speaking on the decision, Chief Minister Dhami emphasised that doctors form the backbone of the state’s healthcare system. From remote mountain villages to rural outposts with limited resources, doctors have been working tirelessly to ensure healthcare access for Uttarakhand’s citizens.
“Our doctors have shown extraordinary commitment, serving even in the most difficult terrains of the state,” Dhami said. “It is our responsibility to ensure their welfare. With the ACP benefits, doctors will not only gain financial security but will also feel more motivated and dedicated to their service. The government will always stand firmly behind our doctors and healthcare workers.”
Official Orders and Implementation Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar confirmed that formal orders have been issued to implement the Chief Minister’s decision. The benefits will be provided in line with the provisions outlined in earlier Government Orders No. 654 (14.07.2016) and No. 154 (04.02.2019).
Eligibility and promotions will be carried out based on the recommendations of a screening committee, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
Breakdown of Positions and Grade Pay The decision covers a total of 196 sanctioned posts within the Provincial Medical Services cadre. The distribution of posts across levels is as follows:
Level 11: 70 posts with a Grade Pay of ₹5400.
Level 12: 56 posts with a Grade Pay of ₹6600.
Level 13: 27 posts with a Grade Pay of ₹7600.
Level 13 (higher category): 43 posts with a Grade Pay of ₹8700.
This structured approach ensures that doctors across various seniority levels receive due recognition and benefits.
Impact on Healthcare Delivery Officials believe that the announcement will have a far-reaching impact on healthcare delivery in Uttarakhand. The assurance of career progression and better pay scales is expected to encourage doctors to remain in government service, particularly in remote and underserved areas where recruitment and retention have often been a challenge.
Healthcare experts also note that morale-boosting measures like ACP benefits help reduce attrition, enhance job satisfaction, and ultimately improve patient care.
Support for Rural and Mountain Areas One of the significant outcomes of this decision is expected to be the strengthening of healthcare services in rural and mountainous regions. Doctors working in difficult geographies, who often face challenges such as isolation, lack of infrastructure, and heavy workloads, will now feel better supported by the state.
“This step by the government is not just financial; it is symbolic of recognition,” said a senior doctor in Dehradun. “For years, doctors in the provincial service cadre have been demanding structured career progression. This announcement finally addresses that long-standing demand.”
Government’s Larger Commitment The decision also aligns with the Dhami government’s broader efforts to improve the healthcare ecosystem in Uttarakhand. Over the past year, the state has introduced measures to strengthen primary health centres, recruit more specialists, and expand telemedicine services to reach remote populations.
By focusing on the welfare of its healthcare workers, the state government hopes to ensure that these policies translate into real benefits for citizens on the ground.
Looking Ahead With this announcement, Uttarakhand joins a growing number of states that are extending structured career progression benefits to doctors as part of wider healthcare reforms. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the decision would serve as a model for other initiatives aimed at enhancing both healthcare delivery and worker welfare.
As the implementation of the ACP scheme begins, the medical community in Uttarakhand looks forward to not only improved financial security but also greater recognition of its role in safeguarding public health.
