Even as the interview process for the crucial post of medical health officer of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has been completed, the top officials in the corporation are yet to take the final decision.

Sources at the VMC revealed that four candidates from the civic body’s health department and another three candidates from outside were interviewed for the post almost 10 days ago. However, the top officials are reportedly dissatisfied with the performance of the candidates.

“We have certainly completed the interviews but we are not satisfied with the existing lot. We are going to post an advertisement so that more candidates turn up for the interview,” said VMC Commissioner M K Das.

Sources also revealed that the authorities will look for a doctor who is not from the VMC.

“A lot of internal politics is going on at the moment within the department, and if we select anybody from the existing lot, it will certainly not help build a healthy work atmosphere and will eventually affect the overall functioning of the department,” said an official refusing to be named

Vadodara lags behind in terms of health facilities, and in these circumstances, the internal politics will further deteriorate the situation, he said.

With the onset of summer and rise in waterborne diseases, VMC health department is hard pressed to appoint the chief medical officer. At present, the post is held by the MHO in-charge, Dilip Asari.

Sources within the department said the delay in appointing the new head has been affecting the day-to-day work, as certain important decisions have to be taken by the medical health officer.

While in Ahmedabad and Surat, health services have become advanced with the setting up of Urban Health Centres, Vadodara is yet to have one.