126 Specialist Doctors Appointed in Jharkhand Through Unique Bidding Process

Ranchi — In a pioneering step, the Jharkhand government has appointed 126 specialist doctors under the National Health Mission (NHM) using a bidding system where candidates chose their postings based on the lowest honorarium they were willing to accept.

The appointment and posting letters were distributed by Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari at a ceremony held at the IPH Auditorium in Namkum, Ranchi.

As part of the selection process, candidates were shown a list of available healthcare centers across the state. Those quoting the lowest remuneration for a particular location were given first preference in choosing their posting.

Dr. Ansari congratulated the new doctors, calling the initiative a step toward turning every district into a “Medicos City” and improving healthcare accessibility. “These appointments come with responsibility. Each of these doctors is now the ‘Health Minister’ of their respective hospital,” he said.

Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh highlighted that the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to strengthening medical services across Jharkhand. He mentioned that Ranchi’s Sadar Hospital is being recognized as a national model, with even the Uttar Pradesh government showing interest in adopting this approach.

Out of 219 available posts, only 126 were filled. The doctors appointed include pediatricians, gynecologists, surgeons, anesthetists, and other specialists. They are required to stay in government accommodation and are barred from private practice.

The state currently faces a major shortfall in doctors, with only 7,500 available out of a required 37,000. Among specialists, only 300 serve out of 1,200 sanctioned posts. The government hopes this innovative model will help bridge the gap, especially in underserved areas.

With inputs from IANS