Merger of cadres will hit patient care: IGMC faculty

The State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT), IGMC, Shimla, has expressed concern over the decision to merge the cadres of all medical colleges and urged the authorities concerned to reconsider it.

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The association said the policy, if implemented, could endanger patient care, undermine the quality of medical education and destabilise faculty structures. “We urge the government to focus on improving infrastructure, increasing financial incentives and supporting the professional development of medical faculty rather than disrupting a system that has been working for years,” the association demanded.

The association claimed that the policy would have disastrous consequences for patient care. “By merging cadres across medical colleges, we risk destabilising the teaching and operational environment, leading to inconsistencies in faculty seniority and overall effectiveness,” the association said.

The association said the proposed policy of cadre merger will create disruption in the faculty structure, leading to instability and lack of ownership in patient management. “The ability to provide consistent, high-quality patient care will be directly impacted, which will be detrimental to both the medical profession and the patients,” the association said.

It said that the proposed merger would result in inconsistencies in faculty seniority due to different norms followed during recruitment across various medical colleges. Besides, the association said, the merger would impact research projects undertaken and led by faculty at the IGMC. These research initiatives could be jeopardised by the forced transfer of faculty, leading to a loss of continuity and progress.

According to the association, the merger would create workplace instability, leaving faculty members demotivated and disillusioned. Besides, the association said the cadre merger will impact the IGMC’s ability to maintain high standards, making it less attractive to prospective students. The association further said that the transfer of experienced faculty to such colleges lacking facilities will jeopardise the quality of PG teaching, and standards of education and patient care.