NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences) Bangalore:  In charge Director Dr. Pradhan in his first 20 days has already axed – 3 HOD’s, 2 doctors and 11 staff. The terminated individuals have merely been handed letters asking them to leave, without the contractually stated 1 month’s notice. Dr. Pradhan took over from former Director Dr. Satish Chandra, who is staying on as a senior professor for neurology. Dr. Pradhan had earlier tried to remove Dr. Chandra stating that, “his services were no loner required”. However, this action was mooted by a strong protest by doctors and hospital staff. More over, Dr. Pradhan’s extreme administrative changes and steps are being seen as counter-productive to the institution’s future.

A counter protest, in support of Dr. Pradhan headed by President of the Nimhans Employee Union Mr. Murugan and 50 other Category-D employees echo a different sentinment, “The new director is lending an ear to our woes. We had no voice so far. We have been facing humiliation and lower rung staff has been treated inhumanely . The three heads of department asked to step down were misusing their powers. We were living under fear and not all is well with Nimhans. The new director is bringing about changes and the faculty is opposing him,”

President Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to NIMHANS tomorrow (July 28) will take place in the eye of this storm. While the President will be inaugurating the institution’s museum, he is also felicitating some of the institution’s key contributors. One of who is Professor Lalitha (HOD-Nursing), who has been terminated. Additionally, the public and junior doctors who have been witness to these protests around the campus are scared and confused.

Original story as seen on – The Hindu Times of India Deccan Herald

   Send article as PDF