The Haryana Civil Medical Services (HCMS) Association, representing all government doctors in the state, has urgently approached Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, voicing strong opposition to the direct recruitment of Senior Medical Officers (SMOs). This move comes amid growing concerns about career stagnation and its impact on healthcare services across Haryana.
Career Stagnation Concerns Raised
According to the association, HCMS cadre doctors have been working tirelessly to provide quality healthcare to Haryana residents, but the existing recruitment policy has created significant stagnation and deep dissatisfaction. Dr. Rajesh Khyalia, President of the HCMS Association, revealed that previous instances of direct SMO recruitment led to severe career stagnation, with over 95% of HCMS doctors receiving only a single promotion throughout their entire service period - from Medical Officer to SMO.
The situation has become so dire that many doctors have opted for voluntary retirement due to limited promotional opportunities. The association emphasized that no other state in India has provisions for direct recruitment at the SMO level, making Haryana an exception in this regard.
Previous Assurances and Current Concerns
In their representation to the Chief Minister, the HCMS Association highlighted that the Health Minister in 2021 had categorically ordered a halt on direct SMO appointments. The issue had escalated last year when the association resorted to agitation, leading to a crucial meeting on July 25, 2024, under the chairmanship of the Chief Principal Secretary to the CM.
This meeting concluded with a clear assurance that no further direct SMO recruitment would be undertaken. It was also agreed that service rules would be amended, and all vacant SMO positions would be filled through promotions from within the existing cadre.
Healthcare Services Affected by Vacancies
The association revealed alarming statistics about vacant positions, stating that approximately 200 SMO posts out of 644 remain unfilled. Compounding the problem, 160 positions are blocked due to pending amendments to service rules.
This shortage of SMOs and Deputy Civil Surgeons is significantly hampering the implementation of national health programs and compromising healthcare delivery at both community health centers and district levels. Existing medical officers are reportedly overburdened with multiple responsibilities, further straining the healthcare system.
The HCMS Association has urgently requested the government to fill all 200 vacant SMO positions through promotions without further delay. Additionally, the association expressed concerns about the delay in implementing the modified ACP structure, which was approved by the Chief Minister and received finance department concurrence in mid-2024 but remains unimplemented despite repeated reminders.
Expressing strong resentment and a sense of betrayal among its members, the HCMS Association has appealed for the Chief Minister's immediate intervention to resolve these long-standing issues that continue to affect both doctors' careers and public healthcare delivery in Haryana.
