In a major and long-awaited development, the Central Government has notified the Recruitment Rules for the posts of Depot Manager (DM) and Assistant Depot Manager (ADM) under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). The rules have been published in The Gazette of India, officially opening a promotion pathway for CGHS pharmacists to become Gazetted Officers.
According to the notification, both posts have been classified as Gazetted, Group ‘B’, Non-Ministerial. The post of Assistant Depot Manager has been placed in Level-8 of the pay matrix (₹47,600–1,51,100), while the post of Depot Manager carries Level-9 pay (₹53,100–1,67,800). There is no provision for direct recruitment, and both posts will be filled only through promotion.
As per the notified rules, promotion to the post of Depot Manager will be made only from among eligible Assistant Depot Managers. Similarly, the post of Assistant Depot Manager will be filled by promotion from Senior Pharmacists (Level-7, Allopathy) who have completed the required length of service and mandatory training. This creates a clear and structured promotional ladder for pharmacists working in CGHS.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Ramraj Choudhary, Pharmacist, CGHS Delhi, said that this is the first time in the history of CGHS that pharmacists have been given a formal opportunity to attain Central Government Gazetted Officer status. He said the decision recognizes the professional role of pharmacists in administration, drug management, and supply systems.
He further added that the creation of these posts across CGHS units in different cities will help improve efficiency in medicine procurement, storage, and distribution. The move also addresses a long-pending demand of the pharmacist cadre for better career progression and professional recognition.
Health administration experts and CGHS officials have welcomed the notification, calling it an important step towards strengthening institutional systems and acknowledging the leadership role of pharmacists within the public healthcare framework.
