No HoD interviews yet at Safdarjung, RML, Lady Hardinge despite health ministry directives

New Delhi: Despite multiple directives issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, no interview has been conducted at three major central government hospitals and their associated medical colleges in Delhi- Safdarjung, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia and Lady Hardinge Medical College, for the selection of HoDs.

Since last year, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), under the Health Ministry, has issued four circulars, including the latest one issued on October 31. However, no interview has yet been conducted, TOI has reported.

Due to this, key leadership positions in several departments at these premier institutes have remained unchanged over the years. Meanwhile, the hospitals have stated that they had sent the applications submitted every time to the directorate.

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As per the latest media report by the Times of India, through the recent circular, applications have been invited from eligible senior faculty under the rotational HoD selection system introduced in 2023, which mandates interviews every three years to promote transparency and leadership renewal. Similar notifications were issued in January, July and September 2024 as well. Despite this, the process remained stalled.

The current round for appointment covers around 35 departments, including those where HoDs have completed six years, are officiating or will retire within six months. The applications have to be submitted by November 15.

Under the 2023 guidelines, only professors or directors with at least 10 years' experience in the speciality and one year of service left before retirement are eligible for the posts. The rules specify that each of the appointments will be for three years or until the office-holder turns 62, whichever is earlier. Further, they specify that a faculty member can serve a maximum of two terms as HoD. If the directive gets implemented this time, it will mark the first major leadership reshuffle under the new rules.

The previous seniority-based system was replaced by the current policy, which was earlier criticised for fostering stagnation. Commenting on the matter, a senior faculty member said, "Advertisements have been issued thrice in the past year, but no interviews have taken place."

"This delay denies competent faculty a fair chance to lead and rejuvenate departments that have become monotonous under unchanged leadership" the faculty added.

Another doctor pointed out how the absence of regular heads of department affects the functioning of the department, mentioning, "Officiating heads cannot take all administrative decisions, which impacts day-to-day work and long-term planning."

Meanwhile, the Ministry officials have attributed this delay to "administrative reasons". However, insiders have alleged interference by influential doctors with connections in higher authorities, adds TOI report.

Pointing out that the rotational system was introduced to curb stagnation and promote accountability, a senior ministry official added, "Leadership exists in these institutes, but it must be periodically refreshed through a formal process." The official further mentioned, "This ensures continuity with transparency and equal opportunity."

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