Amritsar GMC Director, Medical Supdt resign too

Amritsar, July 30

Government Medical College Director-Principal Dr Rajiv Devgan and its associated hospital Guru Nanak Dev Hospital’s Medical Superintendent Dr Kanwardeep Singh have tendered resignations from their respective posts citing excessive workload.

Rude treatment acts as trigger

• While both senior officials have cited excessive workload and a wish to serve their parent depts, the treatment meted out to Dr Bahadur became a trigger for their abrupt action
• As the Health Minister tried bullying senior officials, the administrative officials claimed that he was expecting too much from them

The surprise move has come after the alleged rude behaviour of Punjab Health Minister with Vice Chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences Dr Raj Bahadur. Sources at the GMC said the resignations were a part of resentment brewing among the medical fraternity.

Both officials have, however, expressed their desire to work for their parent departments.

Dr Devgan is a cancer consultant and in his resignation has expressed that as the new state cancer institute has started operations, his services were needed more there.

Dr Kanwardeep Singh’s resignation letter reads, “…..due to personal reasons and enhanced workload of my parent department, it is not possible for me to continue with this additional charge (Medical Superintendent).

The alleged incident at Faridkot has also attracted wide criticism from not only the medical fraternity, but other sections of society as well.

Punjab State Medical and Dental Teachers’ Association said due to the rude behaviour of the minister, hardworking officials were forced to resign and it was demoralising for the faculty members. Dr Mridu Grover, president, said: “The outift plans to take whatever action required for maintaining the dignity of the faculty, the officers and the institutes.”

President of the Indian Medical Association, Amritsar Chapter, Dr RS Sethi, said: “The behaviour of the minister is unjustified. The dignity of one of the senior-most doctors has been hurt and we stand in solidarity with the medical professionals.”

“The minister wants the principal and MS to take responsibility for leaking taps in the washrooms and faulty electricity switches. What he forgets is that water supply sanitation and PWD are different departments, over which the doctors have no control,” a senior faculty member said.

Dr Devgan said: “I have served as the Principal for two years and now it was becoming stressful.” He said he would rather devote time for the treatment of cancer patients.