Medical colleges can't do with in-charge deans

Chennai: Ever since the promotion of the former Dean of Madras Medical College (MMC), Dr R. Vimala, as the Director of Medical Education (DME) in early 2016, the College has seen the appointment of two Deans and two Deans-in-charge. The Government states that it has now filled all Dean positions in all medical colleges across the state. However, the posts of DME and Director of Health Services (DMS) are still lying vacant.

“After Dr Vimala’s promotion, the government brought in Dr. Isaac Christian Moses, Dean, Stanley Medical College and Hospital, to serve as dean in-charge in MMC as well, as a stop-gap arrangement. Dr Muralidharan was then transferred as Dean from Trichy Medical College to the same post at MMC,” said Dr K.Senthil, President, Tamil Nadu Government Doctors’ Association (TNGDA).

However, as he was due to retire in January, Medical Superintendent Dr Narayanasamy was made Dean in-charge until a regular Dean was brought in. Dr. Narayana Babu, former Dean, Kilpauk Medical College (KMC), was transferred as Dean of MMC, with the responsibility of DME in-charge alongside,” added the doctor. Stating that appointing a Dean-in-charge instead of a regular dean is not acceptable, especially in such a premier institute like MMC, Dr Senthil said that the TNGDA has given its representation to the government to give the Deans, wherever they are posted, sufficient time in service.

It has also pleaded with the government to ensure it does not keep any post vacant and manage it with in-charge officers, as they will not have the authority or interest to carry out the responsibilities with immense dedication with the knowledge that they will soon be replaced by a permanent dean. “When a Dean retires, whoever is senior most, and qualified, will be appointed. As a doctor and Dean at the hospital, I am available at all hours for service. Also, I ensure that my responsibilities as DME in-charge are also carried out smoothly and that I attend to all calls and requirements,” said Dr Babu.

Stating that a Dean’s post is a crucial post where the seniority of those deserving it cannot be overlooked, an official said, “The present lot of Deans appointed to medical colleges across the state, all have sufficient tenure. The panel with regard to the DME is also in an advanced stage of finalisation. However, for the DMS post, there isn’t anyone with adequate experience and we are hoping that the post is filled soon.”