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AIIMS ex-chief Misra broke rules until the last day

Vishakh Unnikrishnan | Updated on: 11 February 2017, 5:41 IST

Dr MC Misra's controversial term as director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences came to an end on 31 January. Even at the end of his term though Misra courted controversy by making a series of appointments, which go against the rules of the institute. In fact, he even made appointments on his last day as director.

Catch has accessed a copy of an office memorandum Misra issued. He appointed Dr Anurag Srivastava, professor and head of the department of surgical disciplines, as chief of AIIMS's Trauma Centre, on 31 January.

More controversial was the decision to appoint Dr Amit Gupta as Additional Medical Superintendent of the Trauma Centre with immediate effect.

Staff miffed

These decisions, among others, have upset the staff and the authorities of the institute.

"He has no business to appoint anyone during the last six months as Director. The Ministry should take swift action in cancelling these appointments," said a professor who did not wish to be named.

Sunil Chumber, another AIIMS professor, also wrote to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, drawing his attention to the decisions made Misra during his last days in office.

The letter stated: "I humbly request you to restrain the Hon'ble Director and others in the current administration from taking long-term policy decisions in regard to AIIMS and the Department of Surgical Disciplines and Surgical Centres and Store Purchase Committees in particular."

Root of the controversy

Last year, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitted a report that found the Director, along with other senior doctors of AIIMS, responsible for irregularities in the purchase of medical supplies. The report was followed by a complaint by the vigilance department of the institute.

Along with Misra, the prime accused was Dr Amit Gupta, professor of surgery, and the same man who has now been elevated to Additional Medical Superintendent of the Trauma Centre.

AIIMS's Chief Vigilance Officer, Sanjiv Chaturvedi, had alleged criminal misconduct by Gupta and store officer TR Mahajan in the purchase of fogging solution and disinfectants, from various companies whose sole distributor was a firm owned by the son and daughter-in-law of the store officer.

While the Union Health Ministry had promised to take action, Misra remained as the Director.

First published: 6 February 2017, 5:59 IST
 
Vishakh Unnikrishnan @sparksofvishdom

A graduate of the Asian College of Journalism, Vishakh tracks stories on public policy, environment and culture. Previously at Mint, he enjoys bringing in a touch of humour to the darkest of times and hardest of stories. One word self-description: Quipster.