MUMBAI, Nov 4: The ad hoc appointment of Director of Health Services Subhash Salunke as the Director of Medical Education and Research (DMER) has evoked severe criticism with medical teachers lodging a strong protest against his posting.

``With Salunke's appointment the State Government has made a mockery of medical education as adhocism has now become a rule than an exception,'' said a senior medical teacher.

Following the retirement of BR Kate in November 1989, the State Government has failed to effectively handle the appointment of the DMER. Since 1989, the assigned directors were, by and large, either ad hoc or on extension. Kate was followed by SK Shrivastava, who was Joint Director and holding additional charge. Later PV Sathe, who was then Officer on Special Duty (OSD), took over from Shrivastava. Though Sathe was given a six-month extension on the date of his retirement -- January 31, 1995, his services were terminated before the extension period was complete.

Under the recruitment rules, one who has completed 10 years as professor or dean, is eligible for appointment as Director or a Joint Director can be promoted to the top post. Both Shrivastava and Sathe had met the requirements and were, therefore, eligible for the post. However, Sathe's successor Vishwanath Yemul, Director of Haffkine Institute, held the additional charge for nearly a year even though he did not possess the experience prescribed by the MPSC.

After his unceremonious repatriation to the Haffkine Institute, the State appointed Joint Director SK Ganeriwal to the post. But it happened to be his last month in office so he was given a six months extension.

The medical teachers have suggested that instead handing over the charge to Salunke, the State should invite the seniormost dean of any of the Government-run medical colleges to take over the responsibility.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.