After more than 9 years, Rohtak health varsity gets an insider as regular VC

After more than nine year, the 17-year-old Pt BD Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak (UHSR), has got a regular Vice-Chancellor (VC) from within its own ranks. Dr HK Aggarwal, who served as the university’s Registrar for over nine years, has been entrusted with the top post for a three-year term.

Aggarwal had been discharging duties as the acting VC since November 29 last year, following the completion of the three-year tenure of Dr Anita Saxena from Delhi, who had taken over the role in 2021.

The appointment marks a significant shift for Haryana’s first health university, established in 2008. The founding Vice-Chancellor, orthopaedic specialist and then PGIMS Director Dr Sukhbir Singh Sangwan also served a second term, continuing until December 2014.

He was succeeded by Dr OP Kalra in 2015, who was serving as Principal Professor of medicine and head of nephrology at the University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), GTB Hospital at that time. Kalra, too, completed two terms before being succeeded by Dr Anita Saxena in 2021.

In the months following Dr Anit Saxena’s exit in November 2024, intense speculation surrounded the selection of the new VC. Many within the university questioned whether an internal candidate would finally be chosen, or if another outsider would be brought in for the third consecutive time.

Several senior doctors from the university were lobbying for the post, with the race intensifying as Aggarwal approached superannuation that set for August 31, on reaching the age of 65. However, the state government placed its trust in Aggarwal, by appointing him to the role just two weeks before his retirement.

“Dr Aggarwal’s 35 years of extensive experience, along with his close ties to the RSS and BJP leaders, are believed to have played a key role in his appointment as Vice- Chancellor. He also shares a longstanding association with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, as both hail from Ambala district,” said a senior doctor at the university, requesting anonymity.

He added that Aggarwal’s long-standing association with the PGIMS-Rohtak has given him a deep understanding of the institution’s internal systems and shortcomings. “His familiarity with the day-to-day functioning and challenges of the institute is expected to help streamline operations and improve services, ultimately benefiting patients,” he added.

Meanwhile, Agarwal in a press release said his aim was to take the university to new heights and make it one of the top three institutions in the country. He planned to work collaboratively with the faculty and staff to achieve this goal and prioritie the university's growth and patient care.