Rumours rife on Dr Bhatti as new director of CMCH

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 19

Rumours are rife about Dr William Bhatti soon replacing Dr Abraham G Thomas as director of the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH).

According to sources the meeting of the executive body of the CMCH Society was held on February 15 and 16 during which this proposal was mooted. The final decision regarding the appointment of Dr Bhatti will be passed in a meeting of the governing body of the CMCH, scheduled for March 8 and 9.

The term of Dr Thomas will end in March. He has been the director of the institute since the past 10 years.

In 2015, lot of controversy was created over the re-appointment of Dr Thomas as the CMCH director. Members of the Church of North India protested against his appointment during the governing body meeting. They alleged his involvement in a scam. Still, Dr Thomas was appointed as director once again amidst protests.

The name of Dr Bhatti was proposed as the next director during the governing body meeting of CMCH Society in September last year. It was also mooted to give him the charge of the CMCH director from September itself, but the decision was dropped at the last minute and Dr Thomas was made to continue on the post.

When contacted in this regard, Dr Bhatti said, “It is, too, early to say this. A meeting of the governing body will be held next month in which a final decision will be taken and name of the next incumbent will be announced.” Meanwhile, Dr Bhatti did not rebut the rumour of his name doing the rounds for the next director. Presently, Dr Bhatti is serving as medical superintendent (MS) of the CMCH.

On the other hand while commenting upon the appointment of new director, Dr Thomas said, “I have served the maximum tenure of 10 years as director. As my term will get over in March, the change is bound to happen.”

According to the sources, Dr Anil Luthra will be the next MS and Dr Reena Jairut will be the Principal of College of Nursing as her predecessor will retire.