New Delhi: In a bid to fast-track staffing at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), Delhi govt has proposed a one-time age relaxation of up to 10 years for the recruitment of key healthcare personnel, including doctors. The appointments will be contractual and made under National Health Mission (NHM) norms, with fixed monthly salaries.Unlike mohalla clinics, where staff are paid based on the number of patients seen, AAM employees will receive structured remuneration. The proposal, which aims to expedite hiring amid a ticking funding deadline, has been sent to lieutenant governor VK Saxena for final approval.Officials said the move was likely to benefit many, especially existing mohalla clinic workers, by allowing them to apply for AAM positions if they meet the eligibility criteria. “Anyone who is qualified, whether currently working in a mohalla clinic or elsewhere, can apply. Appointments will be merit-based,” said a senior health department official.Under the Indian Public Health Standards, each AAM sub-centre is expected to have one medical officer, one pharmacist, and one multipurpose health worker (MHW). A staff nurse may be deployed in the MHW role if their qualification is ANM or higher. Sanitation and security services can be hired or outsourced.Currently, the maximum age limits for these positions are 45 years for medical officers and 30 years for pharmacists and MHWs. The proposed relaxation will allow candidates up to 55 years of age to be considered, significantly expanding the pool of eligible applicants.The urgency stems from the timeline of the centrally funded PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, under which AAMs sub-centres are being set up. The scheme, launched in 2021–22, focuses on preventive and wellness care and is funded until March 2026. After that, the financial responsibility is expected to shift to state govts unless extended by the Centre.Given the time required for recruitment and infrastructure rollout, officials say the relaxation is a necessary step to ensure AAMs are functional before the funding cycle ends. “This one-time provision is designed to speed up recruitment without compromising on quality,” the official added.The initiative comes amid rising demand for decentralised, preventive healthcare across Delhi. If approved, the age relaxation could pave the way for thousands of experienced healthcare workers to transition into the new model of care delivery.
