Government Medical College Patiala without a 'Head'

Patiala: The Principal’s post at the Government Medical College, Patiala is now vacant with the former Principal of the college Dr. BL Bharadwaj having retired on February 28, 2017. With the said retirement, all financial transactions of the institution seem to have come to a halt. With the Vice Principal on leave for almost a month now, the charge has gone into the hands of Professor, Dr BS Sidhu, Head of Psychiatry and Drug De-Addiction Department, who is keeping the institute administratively functional. The Medical Education Department has approached the Screening Committee which looks into the urgency of new appointments during the poll code of conduct.

Speaking to The Tribune, Vikas Partap, Secretary, Medical Education, said: “Since the poll code is in place, we had moved an application with the screening committee urging it to permit the department for recruiting the new incumbent. The department understands the urgency of the matter and as soon as the screening committee gives us a go ahead, we will get it approved from the Election Commission and fill the vacant post”.

However, there is a rumour taking the rounds that the Medical Education Department has deliberately delayed the appointment of the Principal, as it is waiting for the Assembly poll results on March 11, before taking any decisions.

“The department knew that the principal was retiring, but still it did not bother to give the charge to anyone. Now, when the new government comes, it will take its own time to settle down and we cannot afford to leave such important post vacant for so long. The department can’t spend even a single penny till someone is given the official charge, following which no payments for different works in the college can be made,” he said.

Punjab State Medical and Dental Teachers Association, General Secretary, Dr DS Bhullar, has demanded the appointment of the College Principal with immediate effect. Dr DS Bhullar said considering that the exams were on and the up gradation of the college was also in process, the financial engagements involved in the two processes called for an immediate appointment of the college head.

“The department should have started this process long time ago. Nonetheless, we urge the department to fill the post at the earliest,” said Bhullar.