Dr Reyaz Untoo, the Professor and Head of Ophthalmology SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, who was appointed Incharge Principal SKIMS Medical College in July 2016 when the whole Valley was under turmoil and hospitals were flooded with injured has requested the government has submitted resignation from the post.“I have submitted my resignation to the Government through SKIMS Administration of relieving me of the charge of the Principal so that alternate arrangements for the running of the College and hospital are made at the earliest. It appears that the administration does not have faith and trust in the working of the Principal and are thinking of making a new appointment through the medium of advertisement. It is not ethical to continue anymore and pave way for the administrators to appoint any one they feel can deliver better,” Dr Untoo, when contacted, told KNS.“I have performed my duty in reshaping the institution to the best of my capability with sincerity and honesty,” he added.The Non Gazetted Employees Association and faculty members of SKIMS Medical College have resented the government’s decision to advertise the post of the principal when Dr Untoo was already holding it.
“It is a major setback to the development of SKIMS Medical College Bemina as from the last year the institute has seen many positive changes in its patients care and infrastructure,” the employees told KNS.They said that the both the college and the hospital were in shambles before Dr Untoo took over the charge of Principal JVC.The employees said the SKIMS Bemina as an institution alongwith its hospital saw a tremendous improvement in academics, addressing various deficiencies raised by MCI, enhancement of PG seats, recruitment and appointment and promotions of faculty and staff which were stagnant and halted from last many years.“The patient care improved as the OPD figures in this hospital are the highest, crossing more than 3000 patients per day. The improvement in patient care and functioning of the hospital have been at its best as the hospital has been always in news for one or the other crises before July 2016,” the employees said.The employees said they feel very disappointed by the decision of the government as their genuine grievances were being addressed by the present administration of JVC after eighteen years.They have appealed the government not to accept the resignation of Dr Untoo and also ensure that no administrator from outside SKIMS Medical College Faculty is appointed as Principal here.“Any decision of appointing outside administrator will be resented,” they said, adding that “it is sad that competent and dedicated officers instead of being encouraged are forced to leave.” (KNS)