Hyderabad: As the race for the post of director of the prestigious Nizam’s Institute of Medical Science hots up, the figure of Rs 5 crore is being bandied as the price for the high chair.
A search committee is looking for a replacement to Dr A. Dharma Rakshak, who put in his papers last week. Two contenders from within the institute and a former superintendent of Gandhi Hospital are said to be in the race.
The committee, which will also look at the claims of other doctors for the top job, had met only once during the second tenure of Dr Dharma Rakshak.
With many corruption allegations plaguing the institute in the purchase of equipment and also appointment of staff, the need for an effective administrator is strongly felt. Principal secretary, health, Ajay Sawhney, who is holding additional charge as NIMS director, stated that the situation was a cause for concern.
Sources said infighting among faculty members is rampant due to ineffective administration. They added there is a need to appoint a new director quickly as the institute needs immediate and intensive treatment.
Nims new block lacks adequate facilities
The new building of the prestigious Nizam’s Institute of Medical Science requires to have gas connections to use emergency equipment like ventilators. The operation theatre has to be made functional. Operation tables that were purchased are simply lying around.
There is even a problem with accommodating patients. A post graduate student on condition of anonymity explained, “Beds are few and each department has an allotted number. If the bed is empty, the departments are not willing to share them as they state that they fear they will lose out when their patients arrive.”
In some cases, patients go back and return after some time after getting in touch with junior doctors. In many cases, relatives get them admitted in private hospitals as they have no other option.