Hubli
The Director’s post at KIMS Hospital, which falls vacant from December 8, 2023, is seeing some hectic lobbying among the 22 doctors who are eligible for the post.
Interestingly, in view of next year’s parliamentary elections and given the fierce competition within the medical fraternity for the post, the government is believed to be toying with the idea of either granting current director Dr Ramalingappa a six-month extension or appointing a stopgap in-charge, before someone is chosen for a permanent role later.
Dr GB Sattur, former Governing Council Member of KIMS, said during the Covid-19 pandemic, KIMS had done a tremendous job that was talked about not just in India, but even abroad. The government should make sure that KIMS continues with that legacy.
While appointing a Director, the government should opt for a candidate who can take research, administration and super speciality at KIMS to the next level, he added.
According to sources, out of 81 doctors at KIMS, there are 22 with five years’ experience as Professors and who have held administrative positions as head of the department, medical superintendent or principal, making them eligible for the director’s role.
In terms of seniority, though, Dr Y Gurushantappa, Dr Prakash Wari, Dr Savita Kanakapur and Dr Kasturi Donimath are the frontrunners. These doctors are ready to throw their hat into the ring once the government notification is out to fill in the vacancy, sources added.
In addition, the current Principal of Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Dr Ishwar Hosamani, Superintendent Dr C Arun Kumar and Dr SF Kammar are believed to be serious aspirants once Dr Ramalingappa’s tenure ends on December 7.
