About Us

The Provincial Medical Health and Community Health Services Association (PMCHS Association) is a representative body formed with a singular vision: to safeguard the professional welfare, rights, and interests of the Provincial Medical and Community Health Services (PMCHS) Cadre in Uttar Pradesh. This cadre, comprising primarily Medical Officers (Community Health), plays a pivotal role in delivering primary healthcare services, especially in rural, remote, and underserved regions of the state. Our association works tirelessly to strengthen this backbone of the public health system.

Historical Background

The idea of forming an association for the PMCHS cadre emerged from the growing need for a unified voice to represent Medical Officers (Community Health) posted across different districts of Uttar Pradesh. These officers, often posted in challenging field conditions, were the first line of medical contact for the rural population but faced many systemic issues such as lack of recognition, irregular service conditions, poor career progression opportunities, and administrative neglect.

It was in this context, a group of proactive medical officers came together to discuss the need for a formal platform that could address the collective concerns of the cadre. After several meetings and consultations at the district and state levels, the Provincial Medical Health and Community Health Services Association was formally established. The association soon gained traction and support from members across various districts.

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of the PMCHS Association is to work for the overall welfare and empowerment of the PMCHS cadre. The association operates with the following core objectives:

1. Representation of Cadre Interests: To represent the PMCHS cadre in all relevant forums and bring their issues to the notice of concerned administrative and political authorities.

2. Improving Service Conditions: To advocate for better working conditions, fair promotions, timely transfers, and adequate infrastructure for Medical Officers (Community Health).

3. Policy Engagement: To actively engage with the state health department and policy makers to influence health policy in a direction that benefits both health professionals and the rural population.

4. Professional Development: To promote opportunities for training, capacity building, and continuous professional development of the members.

5. Unity and Solidarity: To foster unity, coordination, and mutual cooperation among members across all districts.

6. Problem-solving Approach: To identify on-ground problems being faced by medical officers and work collectively to find practical and sustainable solutions.

Structure and Membership

The association has a state-level governing body supported by district-level units, ensuring a wide and democratic representation. The President, General Secretary, and other office bearers are elected through regular elections, and the association functions transparently through a constitutionally mandated structure.

All serving Medical Officers under the PMCHS cadre are eligible for membership. The association currently boasts hundreds of active members from all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh, each committed to the betterment of public healthcare delivery.

Role of Medical Officers (Community Health)

The PMCHS cadre forms the bedrock of rural health delivery in Uttar Pradesh. These officers are posted primarily at Additional Primary Health Centres (APHCs), PHCs, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and sometimes even in mobile health units. They manage outpatient care, maternal and child health services, vaccination programs, public health awareness campaigns, disease surveillance, and emergency care in their respective areas.

In addition to clinical duties, Medical Officers often shoulder administrative responsibilities, coordinate with local governance bodies, and respond to epidemic or disaster situations on the ground. Their role became even more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, where PMCHS officers worked on the frontline, conducting screening, testing, contact tracing, and vaccination drives despite limited resources.

Achievements and Milestones

Since its formation, the association has made significant progress in advocating for the cadre’s interests. Some key milestones include:

Successful dialogue with Higher authorities for regularization of appointments and timely DPCs (Departmental Promotion Committees).
Representation in policy decisions, ensuring inclusion of PMCHS cadre viewpoints in state-level health strategies.
Grievance redressal support for members facing unjust treatment, transfers, or disciplinary issues.
Legal assistance in key cases relating to service benefits, pay scale parity, and cadre restructuring.
Organizing state and district-level meetings, health conferences, and professional workshops for knowledge sharing and skill enhancement.

The association has continuously brought several issues into the spotlight through formal representations, media engagement, and direct communication with the Hon’ble Minister, Principal Secretary , Director General Medical Health, and Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) of districts.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the PMCHS Association envisions a robust, well-supported, and professionally respected PMCHS cadre, equipped to meet the challenges of 21st-century public health. We are working toward:

Cadre restructuring and defined career progression to improve morale and retention.
Inclusion of PMCHS officers in digital health governance, such as Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
Role in Strengthening PHC and CHC infrastructure to match National Health Mission (NHM) quality standards.
Establishment of welfare funds and insurance schemes for cadre members.
Technological upskilling through regular training in telemedicine, data management, and public health innovations.

Core Values

Our association is guided by the following values:

Service Before Self
Unity in Advocacy
Commitment to Quality Healthcare
Transparency and Accountability
Empowerment Through Knowledge

Conclusion

The Provincial Medical Health and Community Health Services Association stands as a pillar of support and advocacy for thousands of Medical Officers who are tirelessly working to improve the health indicators of rural Uttar Pradesh. Our association continues to function as a vital link between field-level officers and the state administration, ensuring that every officer’s voice is heard and every legitimate concern is addressed.

As we move forward, we reaffirm our commitment to protect, empower, and uplift the PMCHS cadre, enabling them to serve the people of Uttar Pradesh more effectively, with dignity and professional satisfaction.