BHU removes cardiology HoD on hunger strike

Varanasi: Head of cardiology department of the Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU , Prof Om Shankar, who had been on hunger strike for the last two weeks demanding extra beds for the department in the new super speciality block of the hospital, was removed from the post on Friday.
BHU administration has, meanwhile, constituted a committee chaired by a former director of AIIMS, New Delhi for review of bed allocation in its hospital system.
In a notification issued by the deputy registrar (general administration), it was stated that since Prof Om Shankar was not available to discharge his duties as head of the department of cardiology, because of his ongoing hunger strike and on the recommendation of the IMS director, the vice chancellor had transfered the charge of HoD to Prof Vikas Agarwal with immediate effect and till further order. The newly constituted committee for review of bed allocations in its hospital system will optimise resources for best patient care. The committee will consider the NMC guidelines, best practices in other premier medical institutions, manpower and infrastructure and the patient load. The committee is requested to provide its recommendation within 15 days.
According to the BHU spokesperson, the university’s administration works toward maximising the facilities for medical research, academics and patient care. With such efforts, the institute is expected to rank among the top three medical institutions of India. Prof Om Shankar started his hunger strike on May 12, demanding extra beds in the new super speciality block and action in the alleged mismanagement in the hospital.
IMS director Prof S N Sankhwar said 61 beds had been allotted in the Super Specialty Block to the cardiology department, which is 13 more than beds allotted to the department earlier.