Doctors' exodus unabated
From Jatinder Sharma
Tribune News Service

ROHTAK, Dec 12 — The exodus of senior doctors from Pandit BD Sharma Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, the only government-run institute in the state, continues unabated.

At least 12 senior doctors have resigned from the institute in the past one year. Dr J. K. Sharma, Principal of the Dental College, is the latest to join the list.

Lack of working facilities and discord among the faculty members are believed to be the major reasons for the exodus. There are no facilities for research for updating knowledge. Though the number of patients has increased manifold, the number of beds and other facilities remain as these were over 20 years ago. Most instruments are old and cannot be used but no efforts have been made to replace these.

The Chief Minister, Mr Bansi Lal, during his visit to Rohtak on September 8 had expressed concern over the functioning of the institute. He had also advised the Institute Director, Dr DS Dubey, to persuade the doctors who had resigned to return to the premier medical college of the state. None has so far withdrawn his resignation.

The absence of a cordial working atmosphere has adversely affected its growth. A senior faculty member told TNS that the doctors were contemplating resignation or premature retirement. A similar attitude was evident in Class III and IV employees.

Dr J.K. Sharma was appointed principal of the dental college a year ago. He resigned from service on November 1. His resignation has been accepted by the government.

According to informed sources, Dr Sharma had demanded advance increments promised to him at the time of appointment and an independent status for the dental college.

But his detractors say he has resigned due to the public interest litigation filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court against his appointment. He was also denied re-imbursement of the amount spent by him for attending an international conference of dental surgeons in Japan.

The appointment of Dr S. B. Siwach as Dean has also been challenged in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. His appointment made early this year had caused resentment in the faculty. It was alleged that he had been promoted though several doctors were senior to him.