New Delhi: The Union health ministry has issued its fourth circular since last year for the selection of heads of department (HoDs) at three major central govt hospitals and their associated medical colleges in Delhi — Safdarjung, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia and Lady Hardinge Medical College.Despite repeated circulars by Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the latest one issued on Oct 31, no interview has been conducted. As a result, key leadership positions in several departments have remained unchanged for years at these premier institutions, said sources. DGHS chairperson Sunita Sharma did not respond to calls or messages while the hospitals claimed that they had sent the applications submitted every time to the directorate.The recent circular invites applications 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. However, despite the notifications in Jan, July and Sept 2024, the process remained stalled.The current round covers around 35 departments, including those where HoDs have completed six years, are officiating or will retire within six months. The last date for the submission of applications is Nov 15.According to the 2023 guidelines, only professors or director professors with at least 10 years’ experience in the specialty and one year of service left before retirement are eligible. Each appointment will be for three years or until the incumbent turns 62, whichever is earlier. A faculty member can serve a maximum of two terms as HoD. If implemented, the move will mark the first major leadership reshuffle under the new rules.The current policy replaced the earlier seniority-based system, long criticised for fostering stagnation. “Advertisements have been issued thrice in the past year, but no interviews have taken place,” said a senior faculty member. “This delay denies competent faculty a fair chance to lead and rejuvenate departments that have become monotonous under unchanged leadership.”Another doctor said the absence of regular heads of department affected functioning. “Officiating heads cannot take all administrative decisions, which impacts day-to-day work and long-term planning.”While ministry officials attributed the delay to “administrative reasons”, insiders alleged interference by influential doctors with connections in higher authorities. A senior ministry official said the rotational system was introduced to curb stagnation and promote accountability. “Leadership exists in these institutes, but it must be periodically refreshed through a formal process,” the official said. “This ensures continuity with transparency and equal opportunity.”
