The Haryana Government has approved major changes in recruitment rules for pharmacy officers in the state. The decision was taken by the state cabinet to address the growing shortage of staff in government hospitals and dispensaries. These changes aim to make the recruitment process faster and more flexible, while also increasing the number of eligible candidates.
The cabinet approved amendments to the Haryana Health Department Pharmacists (Group-C) Service Rules, 1998. These rules guide the hiring and service conditions of pharmacy staff in the state. Over time, stricter qualifications and requirements had made it difficult to fill vacant posts. As a result, many healthcare facilities faced staff shortages, affecting the delivery of services.
One of the key changes is the removal of a mandatory six-month training requirement in hospital-based pharmacy services. Earlier, candidates were required to complete this training along with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. While the intention was to improve skills, it reduced the number of candidates who could apply for the job.
Officials said that removing this requirement will widen the pool of eligible candidates. This will make it easier to recruit pharmacy officers and fill vacant positions more quickly. The move is expected to improve healthcare services by ensuring that hospitals have enough trained staff.
Another important decision taken by the cabinet is the change in the recruitment ratio for pharmacy officers. Earlier, 75 percent of the posts were filled through direct recruitment, while 25 percent were reserved for promotion from within the department.
Now, the share of direct recruitment has been increased to 95 percent, while the promotion quota has been reduced to just 5 percent. This means that most new positions will be filled by hiring fresh candidates rather than promoting existing employees.
The government believes that this change will help bring in more qualified professionals from outside. It will also speed up the recruitment process, as direct hiring is often faster than internal promotions.
However, this change may also raise concerns among existing employees who were expecting promotions. With only 5 percent of posts reserved for promotion, opportunities for career growth within the department may become limited.
In addition to recruitment changes, the pay structure for pharmacy officers has also been revised. The pay level has been upgraded from FPL-6 to FPL-6A, with a new basic salary of ₹39,900. This increase is expected to make the job more attractive and encourage more candidates to apply.
The post of pharmacist had already been re-designated as pharmacy officer in 2021. At that time, the minimum qualification was raised to a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. These changes were part of efforts to improve the quality of healthcare services in the state.
Along with pharmacy officers, the cabinet has also approved changes in recruitment rules for Operation Theatre Assistants (OTA). These changes aim to ensure that candidates have the necessary skills and qualifications to work in critical healthcare settings.
Under the new rules, candidates applying for direct recruitment must have completed Class 12 with science subjects such as physics, chemistry, and biology or mathematics. In addition, they must hold a bachelor’s degree in medical technology, with specialisation in operation theatre or anesthesia, from a recognised institution.
The government has also kept provisions related to knowledge of Hindi or Sanskrit as part of the eligibility criteria. This requirement is common in many government jobs in Haryana.
For promotion to the post of Operation Theatre Assistant, candidates must have at least five years of experience as a Group-D employee in the operation theatre of a government health institution. They must also meet the required educational qualifications.
These changes are aimed at ensuring that only qualified and experienced candidates are appointed to important roles in hospitals. Operation theatre assistants play a crucial role in surgeries, assisting doctors and ensuring that medical procedures run smoothly.
The amendments also include provisions for deputation, which allows employees from other departments or organisations to be temporarily assigned to these roles. This can help address immediate staff shortages in critical areas.
Overall, the government’s decision reflects a balanced approach to improving healthcare services. By relaxing certain rules, it aims to fill vacancies quickly. At the same time, by maintaining educational standards, it ensures that the quality of care is not compromised.
In conclusion, the Haryana government’s move to ease recruitment norms for pharmacy officers and other health staff is a significant step towards strengthening the state’s healthcare system. By addressing staff shortages and simplifying the hiring process, the government hopes to improve the availability and quality of medical services.
While the changes may bring some challenges, especially for existing employees seeking promotions, they are expected to have a positive impact in the long run. Faster recruitment and better staffing can lead to improved patient care and more efficient functioning of hospitals.
As these new rules are implemented, their impact will become clearer. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that healthcare facilities across Haryana are well-equipped with trained professionals to meet the needs of the public.
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