MARGAO
The United Goans Foundation (UGF) has urged the Government of Goa to immediately complete the recruitment process for 14 categories of sanctioned posts under the National Health Mission (NHM), stating that an unexplained delay of nearly eight months is affecting the delivery of essential healthcare services across the State.
The NGO said the recruitment process commenced with Note/1 dated 18 November 2025, when the Directorate of Health Services invited applications through a walk-in interview for various NHM posts. “More than 80 candidates applied, document verification was completed, and interviews were conducted for all advertised posts. The positions had already been sanctioned and funded under the NHM, following approval by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on 26 March 2025,” stated UGF President Dr Aashish Kamat.
He, however, said despite completion of these recruitment stages, the Directorate has informed applicants that the “further process regarding filling of the above posts is presently postponed till further notice,” with no reason or timeline being communicated.
UGF emphasised that the issue is not merely one of recruitment but one of public health. “The vacant posts support critical programmes relating to mental healthcare, non-communicable diseases, physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, elderly care, and Health & Wellness Centres. The continued delay means these sanctioned healthcare services cannot be delivered to their full capacity, directly impacting patients across Goa,” he said.
The Foundation has appealed to the government to immediately resume the recruitment process, publish the merit lists in the interest of transparency, and complete appointments within a defined timeframe. “Healthcare services cannot remain on hold indefinitely after recruitment has already been conducted. Publicly funded and sanctioned posts must be filled without further delay to ensure that the people of Goa receive the healthcare services they are entitled to,” Dr Aashish added.
