Rx for Success: KIMS Directorship Contest Takes Center Stage

By B. Kishan Singh, Hubli Express News

Hubballi: With the imminent conclusion of Dr. Ramalingappa Antaratani‘s term as the Director of Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) on December 7, the corridors of KIMS are abuzz with anticipation over who will emerge as the institution’s next leader.

The competition for this esteemed position has reached a fever pitch, with numerous doctors vying to helm one of Karnataka’s premier healthcare institutions. While no official notification has been released regarding the directorial appointment, speculations are rife that Dr. Ramalingappa might receive an extension or a new director will be appointed pending further orders.

Among the contenders, Dr. Arunkumar C, the current Medical Superintendent of KIMS, stands out. Renowned for his rich administrative experience, Dr. Arunkumar played a pivotal role alongside Dr. Ramalingappa during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their collaborative efforts, from interns to seasoned doctors, left an indelible mark on the institute and the public.

Expressing his keen interest in the director’s role, Dr. Arunkumar is leaving no stone unturned to secure the opportunity to serve KIMS. Meanwhile, Dr. SF Kammar from the orthopedics department and the current Principal, Dr. Ishwar Hosmani, of the general surgery department, have also thrown their hats into the ring.

For some within the medical community, Dr. Hosmani appears to be the natural choice for the directorship, given his current role as the college’s principal. The race doesn’t end there, with Dr. GC Patil from the Radiology department and Dr. Gurushantappa Yalagachchin, the head of general surgery, also actively pursuing the coveted position, according to inside sources at KIMS.

As the clock ticks down to Dr. Ramalingappa’s departure or his extension, the medical fraternity awaits the unfolding of this gripping saga, wondering who will emerge victorious in the quest to become the next director of KIMS.

Dr. Ramalingappa’s tenure has been nothing short of transformative, propelling KIMS to unprecedented heights in the realms of healthcare delivery and infrastructure. The institute, under his leadership, has earned a name synonymous with quality and excellence.

As the baton prepares to pass to a new director, there is an echoing chorus among the stakeholders—whomever steps into the role should strive to build upon the remarkable achievements of Dr. Ramalingappa. The bar has been set is so high, and there is an acknowledgment that filling the shoes of him will undoubtedly be a formidable task.

 The legacy is set, and the hope is that the new director will not only carry it forward but elevate it to even greater heights, solidifying KIMS’ standing as a paragon of healthcare brilliance.

Hubli Express tried to contact Medical Education Minister Dr Sharanprakash Patil to get his views but he did not respond to our calls.