PGIMER to submit reactions to the panel recommendations

Chandigarh: The Post Graduate institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) will be sending its reactions to the union Health Ministry about the recommendations made by the National Commission of SC and ST. soon. The PGI received a communique about this from the Health Ministry on Wednesday evening. According to sources, the institute has been asked to comment on the National Commission of SC and ST recommendations.

"The institute has received a brief communication from the ministry and we will be soon submitting our reply in the matter," said a senior PGI official on Thursday to the Indian Express. The official also mentioned that the PGI intended to make it clear that it had no role to play in the entire selection process.

"Last time, when we were asked to give our comments regarding a complaint made to the PMO about the selection process of the director, we had informed the health ministry that we had no role in the entire selection and it was the selection committee which shortlisted the candidates," said the official. This time too, the institute would submit its comments in the same manner he added.

The National Commission of SC and ST had last month said that the panel recommended by the selection committee for the Director,PGIMER 's post be reviewed. The commission made it amply clear that it disapproved the names shortlisted as it felt that the panel appeared to be decided in advance.

A selection committee headed by Union Health Secretary C K Mishra, formed by Union Health Minister J P Nadda, had recommended a panel of three PGI doctors. Dr Anil Bhansali, head of Department of Endocrinology, Dr Meenu Singh, who is from the Department of Paediatrics, and Dr Jagat Ram, head, Advance Eye Centre, were recommended by the selection committee.

The names shortlisted had created resentment among the faculty that felt that the conditions of seniority and experience in every case had not been looked into.

The file is with the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet that will take a final call about the appointment of the institute director.