DHS Director directed to report to GTB Hospital; transfer comes days after CAT stayed earlier posting order
The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Delhi, has transferred Dr Vatsala Aggarwal to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital with immediate effect, according to an office order issued on June 1, 2026. Dr Aggarwal, who was serving as Director of Health Services (DHS), has been directed to report to the Medical Director of GTB Hospital for further duties and assignment of work.
“In supersession of all previous orders issued in respect of posting of Dr Vatsala Aggarwal, and with the approval of the Competent Authority, Dr Vatsala Aggarwal, Director, DHS, is hereby posted at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital with immediate effect,” the order stated. While the transfer has been approved by the competent authority, no reason has been mentioned in the order for her reassignment.
JPCH Medical Superintendent Given Additional Charge
The order further stated that the Medical Superintendent of Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital (JPCH) will continue to hold the additional charge of Director, DHS, along with her existing responsibilities until further orders are issued.
“Dr. Vatsala Aggarwal is directed to report to the Medical Director, Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital forthwith for further duties and assignment of work. The MS, JPCH shall look after the charge of Director, DHS in addition to her own duties till further orders. This issues with the approval of the Hon’ble L.G, Delhi,” the order added.
Transfer Follows CAT Stay on Earlier Order
The latest posting comes just days after the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) stayed an earlier Delhi Government order that had transferred Dr Aggarwal from the post of Director General of Health Services (DGHS).
Earlier, on May 21, 2026, the Delhi Government had transferred Dr Aggarwal and placed her under “awaiting posting” status. During that period, the Medical Superintendent of JPCH was assigned the responsibility of handling the charge of Director, Health Services under existing arrangements.
Dr Aggarwal challenged the transfer before the tribunal, which observed that she had established a prima facie case and that irreparable prejudice could be caused if the order was not stayed while the matter remained pending.
Vigilance Inspection at Centre of Controversy
According to her petition before the CAT, Dr Aggarwal alleged that her transfer was linked to a recent vigilance inspection conducted within the health department. The application stated that vigilance officials sought procurement-related files concerning medicines, surgical items, and medical equipment on May 18 and 19.
The petition claimed that she fully cooperated with the officials, shared all available records, and sought duplicate “shadow files” to ensure continuity of patient care and procurement work. Her counsel argued that despite this cooperation, she was abruptly removed from the DGHS post within days of the inspection.
The plea also contended that the transfer violated the Delhi Health Services transfer policy as she was shifted without being assigned a substantive posting. It further pointed out that she was overseeing Delhi Medical Council elections scheduled for May 31 and that her removal shortly before the polls reflected a “non-application of mind.”
Earlier Recruitment Allegations Resurface
The matter has also brought renewed attention to earlier allegations linked to faculty recruitment at the Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI). Last year, the vigilance branch of the health department reportedly sought a response from DSCI regarding complaints alleging irregularities in faculty recruitment during Dr Aggarwal’s tenure as the institute’s director.
Health Department Calls It a Routine Posting
Responding to the developments, an official from the Delhi Health Department stated that the latest order was issued because Dr Aggarwal’s posting was pending and that she has now been assigned a post in accordance with administrative protocol.
Meanwhile, a GTB Hospital official said that Dr Aggarwal has only been asked to report to the Medical Director and has not yet formally joined her duties. Her specific responsibilities will be assigned after she reports to the hospital.
