12 Days, No Answers: Patients Left Hanging as KIMS Awaits Medical Superintendent

Hubballi: The state government has yet to appoint a Medical Superintendent for one of North Karnataka’s prestigious and largest healthcare institutes, the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS). The critical position of Medical Superintendent has been vacant for the past 12 days since Dr. Arunkumar Chouhan, the former Medical Superintendent, was appointed as the director of DIMHANS.

KIMS Director, Dr. SF Kammar, asserts that he has submitted a seniority list to the government for the appointment of the MS to the hospital. However, the reasons for the government’s delay in appointing a senior doctor remain unclear.

Traditionally, the MS post should be held by a senior doctor who is a professor. However, reports suggest that a local MLA has advocated for the appointment of an associate professor, causing a delay as this move overlooks more senior candidates.

Sources emphasize that the MS position is a 24/7 job, and leaving it vacant significantly impacts the hospital’s routine operations, ultimately affecting patient care. Numerous eligible candidates are vying for the position, with each department having a minimum of two to a maximum of seven eligible candidates on the clinical side. The government needs to carefully consider and appoint the most eligible, senior, and efficient candidate.

Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil has stated that he will look into the matter, refusing further questions from Hubli Express.

Director of the Directorate of Medical Education, Sujatha Rathod, mentioned that the government will initiate proceedings once they receive the list. She expressed dissatisfaction that the present MS charge was not handed over to a senior temporarily. She plans to address this matter with the director during an upcoming meeting.

MLAs Prasad Abbayya and NH Konaraddi have pledged to bring this issue to the government’s attention, ensuring that a Medical Superintendent takes charge at the earliest, or at least an interim MS is appointed until further arrangements are made.”