In a controversial decision that has created uproar in the SKIMS, Bemina, the authorities have made Deputy Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Shafa Abida as the incharge after the incumbent left for a new job.As per the order of SKIMS-MC/Adm/2015/1765-67 dated 19-12-2015, Dr Shifa has been made incharge of the SKIMS Bemina, despite “not being eligible” for the post.“In the interest and for smooth running of the hospital, Dr Shafa A Deva, Deputy MS will look after the duties of Medical Superintendent in addition to her own duties, till the post is filled up under rules,” reads the order of Director SKIMS, Dr Showkat Zargar.KNS has learnt from its sources that the decision was opposed by the Medical Faculty Association, and the aggrieved body of the health institute’s shot a dissenting representation to the Director SKIMS, Dr Zargar, and Chief Secretary of the State, B R Sharma on December 22 last year.
“Dr Shafa is not yet eligible for Medical Superintendent as she was appointed in 2012 as Deputy MS of the hospital,” the MFA said in its dissenting representation, signed by its convener Prof. (Dr) A W Khan.The body has said that senior most faculty member of the institute be appointed at the post as he been the practice as per rules.The documents of the SKIMS order and representation are in possession of KNS.Dr Shafa was appointed as Deputy MS of SKIMS Bemina in 2012, and as per rules the Deputy MS becomes eligible for MS after having an experience of five years. And as per rules, Dr Shafa will be eligible for MS in year 2017.Sources said that after opposition by the senior faculty members, the Chief Secretary has asked the Commissioner Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari.
“Since the SKIMS authorities did not find ‘conducive environment’ to make appointments to various non gazzetted cadre posts advertised more than a year ago, thus he had recently given the charge of Medical Superintendent to Dr Shafa to likely appoint people for non gazetted cadre posts in JVC,” sources said, adding, since Dr Shafa will hold charge of Member Secretary of the selection committee for selection of non gazetted cadre posts also.Besides, these two tops post, Dr Shafa also hold charges of Materials Management Officer, Legal Coordinator, Estate Officer, Warden Girls Hostel, Public Information officer, Officer I/C Manifold, Transport Officer, Medical Officer I/c Stores, Officer I/c Laundry and I/C Nursing Administration of the hospital.A Medical Superintendent of one of the GMC hospitals told KNS that an MS or a deputy MS cannot hold ten charges under him or her.“How can’t it be happen. One or two charges can be held temporarily for few months. Holding ten charges is illogical and highly questionable,” the MS told KNS.