Odisha Alters Doctor Recruitment Rules

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has introduced significant amendments to the Odisha Medical and Health Services (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2017. The revised rules aim to streamline the recruitment process, enhance promotional opportunities, and improve service conditions for Medical Officers under the Odisha Medical and Health Services (OMHS) cadre.
The amendments, approved by the state Cabinet led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, have been formalized as the Odisha Medical and Health Services (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Amendment Rules, 2025.
Key Highlights of the New Rules:
1.Transparent Recruitment Process:
Candidates for the OMHS cadre will be selected through a standardized and fair recruitment procedure. The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) will assess candidates based on marks secured in a qualifying examination.
2.Revised Cadre Structure:
The OMHS cadre has been restructured, reducing the existing seven grades to six. The number of posts in the Super Time Pay Grade has increased from two to 14, while Senior Administrative Grade posts have been raised from 12 to 45. Additionally, the Selection Grade-I has been abolished to provide more promotional opportunities.
3.Mandatory Registration:
Applicants for entry-level positions must hold a valid registration certificate under the Odisha Medical Registration Act, 1961.
4.Incentives for Advanced Qualifications:
Candidates with recognized postgraduate degrees will receive three advance annual increments, while those with super-specialization degrees will get five increments. These incentives will apply to the pay scale of Group-A (Junior Branch) Medical Officers from their date of joining.
5.Promotion Criteria:
Clear eligibility criteria have been established for promoting Medical Officers to higher grades.
Recruitment Drive for 5,000 Medical Officers
The Health Department has announced plans to send a requisition to the OPSC for the recruitment of over 5,000 Group-A (Junior Branch) Medical Officers. This initiative is expected to address the shortage of doctors and strengthen healthcare services across the state.
The revised rules reflect the state government’s commitment to improving the healthcare system by ensuring a fair recruitment process, better career progression, and enhanced service conditions for Medical Officers.