TAKING STOCK: Minister for Medical Education Iqbal Ansari addressing officials of Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences in Hubli on Sunday

HUBLI: Minister for Medical Education Iqbal Ansari on Sunday said that he will order a detailed inquiry into the allegations of corruption in the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital.

In an informal chat with presspersons during his visit to the institute and after discussion with the Heads of the Departments and some Governing Council Members, he said the Government will not hesitate to take action against anybody.

When allegations of corruption in the recruitment process and reported irregularities in the selection process were brought to his notice, Mr. Ansari said he will hold an inquiry.

Although he did not specify the type of the inquiry, he said some serious issues have been brought to his notice during his interaction with the heads of the departments of the institute.

Regarding shortage of medicines in the hospital for the past three months, and the Director bypassing the Hospital Superintendent with regard to purchase of the medicines, the Minister said the issue has been brought to his notice and that he has issued a direction in this regard.

Medical colleges

Mr. Ansari expressed confidence that at least two to three medical colleges of the proposed six government medical colleges will get the approval from the Medical Council of India in the next academic year.

He said the council will be invited to inspect the infrastructure at these colleges in April or May.

According to the schedule, the construction of buildings of the all the six colleges is expected to be completed by March. Recruitment of staff and teachers is almost complete and the selection lists have been submitted for approval, he said.On steps being taken to improve the medical services at the KIMS Hospital, the Minister said he has requested the Finance Minister to make allocations for setting up a trauma centre and other facilities at the hospital.

He said efforts are on to increase the intake of students at KIMS from 100 to 150.

Mr. Ansari warned the Director and the heads of various departments of the KIMS that the powers vested with them will be withdrawn if they fail to mend their ways.

The Minister issued the warning when, during to his visit to the institute the heads of the departments and the Director of the institute, P.S. Kaladagi, indulged in mud-slinging in his presence.

Taking seriously the accusations against the Director by the heads of the departments and one of the members of the governing council of the institute, he asked Dr. Kaladagi to be polite during his interaction with his subordinates.

Earlier, as the discussion with the Minister began, the heads of the various departments accused the Director of ill-treating the doctors and complained about the lack of facilities in the hospital.

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