Keep GMC Principal selection ‘apolitical’: Dr Jitendra

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 30: Expressing concern over the manner in which the post of Principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu has become a victim of hectic political lobbying motivated by non-academic considerations, Dr. Jitendra Singh, BJP J&K chief spokesperson and National Executive Member, has suggested constituting a panel of eminent medical teachers from outside the State which could make a fair and objective selection based purely on the criterion of seniority cum academic excellence and research credentials of the candidate.  He said, the selection of GMC Principal ought to be an “apolitical” exercise and the Council of Ministers cannot be competent enough to take a final call on it.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the State Government’s inability to appoint a new Principal for GMC well in time on superannuation of the existing incumbent who was also only an “adhoc” Principal has sent out a very poor message about the lack of seriousness with which the Coalition Government treats the Medical Education Department. The Government Medical College is already suffering from an acute deficit of faculty with most of the Professors having superannuated and many of them refusing to accept reemployment, he noted with concern and added that if only it was not a Government run Medical College it would have been by now derecognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
Dr. Jitendra Singh cautioned that too much of political interference and administrative intimidation is discouraging the young specialists  from taking up a job in GMC particularly when they have better options available in private and corporate sector  which offer lucrative remuneration along with complete professional freedom.
Dr. Jitendra Singh appealed to the ruling polity to keep the affairs of GMC above politics and revert to the practice followed during the initial years of GMC when there was no hesitation to attract the best talent from across the country as a result of which Dr. N.S. Pathania, a Rohtak based Professor of national repute,  was persuaded to take over as the first Principal of GMC Jammu despite hesitation by the then Haryana Chief Minister Bansi Lal to spare services of such an eminent physician from his State. Many of the Heads of Department in the initial years were also brought in on deputation from other States purely on the consideration of their standing at national level, he reminded.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said it is not only in the interest of general public but also in the interest of personal health of Ministers concerned to have the best health professionals in place.