Online exam to hire managers for govt hospitals

New Delhi: The Delhi government has decided to conduct an online exam to hire 92 managers to head state-run hospitals. An expression of interest has been invited from companies to arrange examination centres, prepare questions and process results by October 15. The creation of the posts of hospital managers was approved by the Delhi Cabinet early this year.

The managers will replace the existing administrative heads, mostly doctors. “Currently, doctors are involved in the administrative work. This affects their clinical output. Appointment of managers will relieve them from the additional burden,” said an official.

There are 34 government hospitals (excluding autonomous institutions) that provide secondary, tertiary and specialist healthcare ranging from preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative services, including teaching, training and research facilities.

The job of the managers has been divided into three categories-equipments/stores, facilities management and patient facilitation. “Presently the medical directors/ medical superintendents / doctors / nurses / paramedics / pharmacists are engaged for overall management of both these services,” added the official.

According to the officials, involving doctors in administrative work not only leads to reduction in their clinical output, but also puts an additional load of hospital management on them.

“Since the need was felt for specialised manpower, a four member committee of very senior doctors was formed to study the issues. Based on its recommendations, the health department proposed to create 92 posts of Hospital Managers initially on contract basis,” a government official said.