Chandigarh notifies new health service rules
Chandigarh, September 16: The Chandigarh Administration has notified the UT Chandigarh Health Service Rules (Group-A General Duty Medical Officer Sub-Cadre in Health Department), 2026, covering recruitment, promotions, service conditions and the cadre structure for General Duty Medical Officers. The rules have been framed under Article 309 of the Constitution and will come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. The service will include Group-A posts such as Medical Officer, Senior Medical Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Additional Director, Director (Hospital) and Director (Administration).
186 posts sanctioned
According to the notification, the sanctioned strength currently includes 186 posts at the levels of Medical Officer, Senior Medical Officer and Chief Medical Officer. The posts of Director (Administration), Director (Hospital) and Additional Director have been shown as nil in the current schedule. The Administration can revise the sanctioned strength according to requirements.
Promotion rules and DACP
The rules provide for time-bound promotions under the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) Scheme), without considering vacancies. A Medical Officer in Level-10, with a pay scale of ₹56,100–1,77,500, will be eligible for promotion to Senior Medical Officer after eight years of regular service. A Senior Medical Officer can be promoted to Chief Medical Officer after five years in the grade. For promotion to Director (Hospital), a Chief Medical Officer will require four years of service and a “Very Good” benchmark.
Recruitment through deputation and direct entry
Medical Officer recruitment will follow a 60:40 ratio. Sixty per cent of posts will be filled through deputation, failing which through direct recruitment, while 40 per cent will be filled through direct recruitment, failing which through deputation. Direct recruitment will be based on a UPSC written examination, followed by an interview or selection process. Candidates must have a recognised MBBS degree and must complete the compulsory rotating internship before appointment. The upper age limit is 35 years, with applicable relaxation for government employees.
Private practice prohibited
The rules prohibit officers appointed to the service from undertaking private practice of any kind, including consultation and laboratory practice. Eligible medical practitioners will receive a non-practising allowance at rates decided by the government. Departmental promotions up to Director (Hospital) will be considered by the prescribed Departmental Promotion Committee. The committee for senior-level promotions will be headed by the Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, with senior officials from the Health and Personnel departments as members.
