The head of the search committee formed by Tribhuvan University (TU) to recommend three merit-based candidates for the post of dean at the Institute of Medicine (IoM) has decided to resign due to differences with Vice-chancellor (VC) Hira Bahadur Maharjan and other TU officials about the selection process.

"We have not submitted written resignation but Dr Tara Sapkota and I have verbally resigned. We have told the TU officials today that we will not be able to complete the work due to our differences with them," Coordinator of the three-member committee Prof Aravinda Lal Bhumi said. VC Maharjan was not available for comments.

Agitating doctors had halted their protest at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) after TU sacked acting dean of the Institute of Medicine Dr Arun Sayami on June 25 and assured appointment of a new dean by July 4. But a new dean is unlikely to be appointed following resignation of the members of the search committee. Prof Bhumi said TU should form another committee to select the dean.

Dr Ratindra Nath Shrestha, who was assistant dean under Dr Sayami, has taken temporary charge after Dr Sayami was asked to take leave. The agitating doctors have been demanding merit-based recruitment in the vacant posts at the IOM and action against IOM officials implicated in several irregularities.

Senior Professor Dr Govinda KC has also announced that he would start a fast unto death if the demands are not met by July 4. Dr KC said he will consult with other doctors once the members of search committee formally resign to discuss new about the response.

TU had formed the search committee to select three merit-based candidates for the post of dean after Dr KC started a fast unto death on May 14. The search committee that was given a three-week mandate, wrote to VC Maharjan on June 1 seeking term extension after being unable to complete its work due to continuous strikes leading to the dissolution of Constituent Assembly on May 27.

Six top positions at IOM, including that of dean, remain vacant for the past eight months. The doctors have also been demanding action against the IOM officials including Dr Sayami implicated in several irregularities by the Jayaram Giri-led committee formed after the 17-day TUTH strike in March 2010.

source:republica,4 July 2012