Odisha Health Department Overhauls Communication Cadre with Major Restructuring
The Health and Family Welfare Department of Odisha has implemented a comprehensive restructuring of the Odisha Health Extension and Communication Service cadre. This strategic move aims to ensure smoother and more efficient management of public health communication matters throughout the state, marking a significant shift in how health information is disseminated and managed at the grassroots level.
Transformation of Posts and Creation of New Positions
In a decisive administrative change, the department has abolished all 314 existing posts of Public Health Extension Officers (PHEOs). These positions have been replaced with the creation of 317 new posts designated as Public Health Communication Officers (PHCOs). Notably, this transition comes with an enhancement in both the level and pay scale for these officers, reflecting the increased importance placed on their roles.
The restructuring extends to higher levels of the cadre as well. Previously, the state had 26 Assistant District Public Health Communication Officer (ADPHCO) posts. Following the reorganization, this number has been substantially increased to 60 positions. Similarly, the number of District Public Health Communication Officer (DPHCO) posts has been raised to 31, strengthening the supervisory and managerial capacity at the district level.
Enhanced Cadre Strength and Recruitment Qualifications
Overall, the cadre restructuring has resulted in the creation of 58 additional posts across various levels. This expansion brings the total cadre strength to 412 positions, representing a significant boost to the state's public health communication workforce.
The PHCO positions are established as base-level or entry-level posts within the revamped structure. According to the official resolution issued on Thursday, these posts will be filled through direct recruitment in the coming days. A key change in the qualification requirements stipulates that candidates must possess a Master in Public Health (MPH) degree, raising the educational bar for these crucial frontline positions. These officers will be deployed to work at the block levels across the state, serving as the primary interface between the health department and local communities.
Career Progression and Expected Benefits
The restructured cadre establishes a clear career progression pathway for officers. After serving as a PHCO for seven years, an officer becomes eligible for promotion to the position of Assistant District Public Health Communication Officer (ADPHCO). Following one year of regular service as an ADPHCO, the officer can then be promoted to the role of District Public Health Communication Officer (DPHCO), creating a structured advancement system within the communication service.
The health department anticipates that this cadre restructuring will bring about substantial improvements in public health outcomes. Expected benefits include a factual change in public health-seeking behavior among communities, enhancement of community health practices, better scope for achieving universal health coverage, and quicker response capabilities during emergency public health activities. Furthermore, the reorganization aims to streamline and upscale health communication and training activities while enabling more effective assessment of public health needs, planning, and implementation of health programs across Odisha.
Regulatory Updates and Future Implementation
The official resolution also indicated that necessary amendments will be made to the Odisha Health Extension and Communication Service Cadre Rules, 2013. The Health and Family Welfare Department will undertake these regulatory updates in due course to formally institutionalize the changes brought about by this comprehensive restructuring initiative.
This overhaul represents a strategic investment in Odisha's public health infrastructure, particularly in the critical area of health communication. By enhancing qualifications, increasing positions, and creating clearer career pathways, the state aims to build a more robust and effective system for delivering health information and services to its citizens.
