JAMMU: The Government on Thursday suspended former Principal of Government Medical College, Jammu Dr Zahid Hussain Gillani for his alleged misconduct of entering into the office chambers of the Principal and ‘dictating’ the staff.
Dr Gillani who is Professor and HoD, Pharmacology, was removed from the coveted position of Principal GMC two days back.
A three members-panel comprising Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman, Director Health Services, Kashmir, Nasir Ahmed, Additional Secretary Health and Medical Education Department and Zahoor Ahmed, Director Finance has been constituted by the government to look into the alleged unbecoming conduct of the former Principal.
According to eye witnesses, Dr Gillani entered the office of the Principal this morning, took to the seat and started passing on instructions to the staff. He was also reportedly carrying his pistol in his hands when he entered Principal’s room. Later he kept the pistol on table while passing instructions.
He even ordered Medical Superintendent GMC to accompany him and have round of all the wards of the hospital. Dr Gillani also directed the duty doctors to report to him in his office chambers.
As the doctors assembled, he started hurling abuses against the government and its functionaries for removing him from the post and said that he is still the Principal. He questioned the authority of the government in removing him, saying, “I will take up my case with the Centre”. He was seen shouting in highest pitch of his voice.
Dr Rakesh Gupta, Medical Superintendent said, “Initially we thought Dr Gillani might have been re-appointed as he was acting and talking very authoritatively.”
Following the commotion, City SP Vinod Kumar and Additional DC Jammu also rushed to the GMC. Dr Gillani was advised to act under rules. He was told that he is no more Principal GMC and for creating nuisance in the GMC premises, he can be booked under relevant laws.
Infuriated Dr Gillani after the intervention of police and senior officers left. However, the government has ordered an inquiry against Dr Gillani to take action against him for his misbehavior and misconduct.
“The probe panel has been asked to submit detailed report with specific recommendations within ten days,” states the suspension order.
Meanwhile, Dr Sunanda Raina, Principal GMC on Thursday chaired a meeting of the senior functionaries of the GMC hospital and ordered that all the doctors will be present in their OPD sections on 10:00 AM sharp. The registration of patients will start at 9.30 AM and the emergency pathology laboratory has been shifted at the ground floor for the connivance of the patients.
Dr Raina accompanied by Dr Rakesh Gupta Medical Superintendent also conducted a round of all the wards of the GMC hospital today.
Here it is relevant to mention that an inquiry was ordered against Dr Gillani for illegal diverting funds worth Rs 1.53 crore meant for purchase of life saving medicines for the people of Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. The inquiry was later hushed up even the minister had assured in the house that the detailed inquiry will be conducted to book the culprits.
Dr Gillani has recently renovated the official residence of GMC Principal. Crores have been spend in refurbishing the building located at Maheshpura Chowk. Besides the internal renovation, the main gate has been replaced to give building a new look.
A senior officer said that the government will also now hold inquiry into the money spend on renovation. “The hospital has no funds to buy medical equipments and life saving drugs. How the crores of money has been spend on beautifying the Principal’s house” he added.
On March 14, The State Government removed Dr Zahid Gillani from the post of Principal Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu.
“Dr Sunanda Raina, HoD, Department of Anatomy in the GMC, was asked to look after the work of the post of Principal, Government Medical College. Jammu in addition to her own duties, in her own pay and grade, till further orders, relieving Dr. Zahid Gillani Professor & HoD, Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Jammu who had been temporarily assigned to look after the work of the said post,” the government order read.