The Health and Family Welfare Department of the Delhi government has issued orders for the appointment and transfer of three senior doctors across key hospitals in the capital, aiming to strengthen healthcare administration. The orders have come into effect immediately.
According to the official notification, Prof. Pooja Sakhuja, a senior doctor of Director Professor rank currently serving at Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital, has been appointed as the Medical Director (MD) of the same hospital. The responsibility has been entrusted to her in view of her experience and administrative capabilities.
In another appointment, Dr. Jyoti Sachdeva, who was working with the Directorate of Family Welfare, has been posted as the Medical Superintendent at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Hospital. The department expects that her leadership will bring improvements in hospital operations and patient care services.
Additionally, Dr. Poonam Lal, who was serving as a consultant at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, has been appointed as the Medical Superintendent at Dr. NC Joshi Memorial Hospital.
As per the order issued by Deputy Secretary (HR Medical) Sharad Kumar, the officers will not receive any additional remuneration for these positions. All concerned officials have been directed to be relieved of their current duties immediately and take charge at their new postings without delay. The department has emphasized that the transfer of charge must be completed promptly, and any non-compliance will be treated seriously.
It is worth noting that the post of Medical Director at Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital, a major super-speciality hospital under the Delhi government, had been vacant for several months. After the previous Medical Director, Dr. Abid Jilani, moved to Safdarjung Hospital, the additional charge was being handled by Dr. B.L. Chaudhary, Medical Director of Lok Nayak Hospital. The absence of a permanent Medical Director had led to administrative challenges, prompting the government to appoint a full-time head.
Last year, following the formation of a BJP government in Delhi, a large-scale reshuffle was carried out in April, involving transfers of Medical Directors and Medical Superintendents across several government hospitals. During that period, Dr. Abid Jilani had replaced Dr. Anil Aggarwal as Medical Director at GB Pant Hospital. However, he stepped down before completing a year in the role upon reaching the retirement age of 62 and subsequently moved to Safdarjung Hospital.