Dr Sunita Sharma to take charge as new Director General of Health Services

New Delhi: Through a recent notice, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education Department has announced the appointment of Dr Sunita Sharma as the new Director General of Health Services (DGHS) on an officiating basis from April 28.

Dr Sharma, currently serving as Additional DGHS under the Teaching Sub-Cadre of CHS, will officially take over the new role starting from April 28, 2025. She will assume full financial and administrative powers to ensure the smooth functioning of the office.

This change will take place after Prof (Dr) Atul Goel, who is presently holding the charge of DGHS, will turn 62 years of age on April 27, 2025, following which Dr Sharma will take charge the next day.

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Furthermore, the ministry also stated that no extra salary or remuneration will be provided to Dr Sharma for taking on the additional responsibility on an officiating basis.

The order issued by the secretary of the department on April 15 stated, "With the approval of Competent Authority, Dr. Sunita Sharma, Addl. DGHS, Dte. GHS from Teaching Sub-Cadre of CHS is designated as Director General of Health Service (DGHS) on officiating basis w.e.f. 28.04.2025 with full financial and administrative powers, for smooth functioning of the office."

"Dr. Sunita Sharma will assume the charge of said post w.e.f. 28.04.2025, after attaining the age of 62 years by Dr. Atul Goel, Additional DGHS (who is currently holding the charge of DGHS on officiating basis) on 27.04.2025. No additional remuneration shall be paid to Dr. Sunita Sharma for holding the post of DGHS on officiating basis," reads the notice.

Medical Dialogues had reported that Prof (Dr) Atul Goel, the Director-General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, officially assumed the role of President of the Dental Council of India.

The DGHS, who is also a member of DCI and its Executive Committee, will perform the duties of the DCI President with immediate effect. This appointment will remain in place until the establishment of the National Dental Commission or until further orders are issued regarding the position, whichever occurs first.

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