The Case for a Public Health Cadre- Himachal Pradesh

The evolving health landscape in India necessitates robust public health systems capable of addressing emerging infectious diseases, the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, and health inequalities. Despite significant efforts, the Indian healthcare system faces persistent challenges, particularly in hilly states like Himachal Pradesh, where geographical and resource constraints hinder healthcare delivery. The creation of the Public Health Management Cadre (PHMC), as advocated by the National Health Policy 2017 and operationalized through guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 2022, is a strategic initiative to strengthen health service delivery. This study seeks to assess the existing clinical and public health cadres in Himachal Pradesh, evaluate barriers to their implementation, and identify career progression pathways for healthcare professionals in the state. The research will also explore the roles of national and state-level bodies in operationalizing PHMC guidelines and provide actionable recommendations for enhancing public health service delivery. By examining workforce challenges and proposing targeted solutions, the study aims to support the development of a dedicated, multidisciplinary public health workforce capable of addressing the unique healthcare needs of Himachal Pradesh.