Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences faculty issues ultimatum

Hyderabad: The Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (Nims) Faculty Association has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to director Dr L. Narendranath demanding that their views on the three-tier system be heard before being implemented.

The NIMSFA has warned that if they are not heard, the agitation will be intensified. Since Monday, the faculty has been wearing black badges and conducting a silent protest for an hour.

Dr Kalyan B., a faculty member, said, “The executive board has been formed without the knowledge of the faculty. Orders to have a three-tier system were issued in 1998 but were never implemented. We are on par with the AIIMS, why must we be brought down to the level of state hospitals?"

Another issue is that it will be easy to become a professor (in five years), which many seniors are opposed to.  A senior doctor said, “To become a professor, it requires eight years of training. When a professor’s post is allotted, there is a separate unit that can be set up. With this system there will be too many seniors. Also they will become professors but can’t teach PG students as eight years of experience is needed. Then what is the point in implementing the system?”

Director Dr L. Narendranath said, “The MCI issued orders in July 2014 asking for implementation of the system. Keeping this order in mind, an executive board was set up to study the process and implement it. The faculty has represented their issues and I have categorically said that the matter will be referred back to the executive board which will meet on August 14 to discuss the issue.”