Association thanks Chief Minister for intervention; seeks uniform service conditions and single administrative structure for IGMC and AIMSS Chamiyana
Shimla, November 1
The State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT) has deferred its proposed pen-down strike, scheduled from November 2 to 4, for two weeks following the cancellation of transfer orders of several senior medical faculty members and assurances from the state government on key service-related issues.
The association expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for giving a patient hearing to its concerns and intervening to resolve the deadlock. The decision followed a meeting between a SAMDCOT delegation, led by its president Dr Balbeer S. Verma, and the Chief Minister at the Secretariat at 7 pm on Friday. Secretary (Health) was also present during the discussions.
According to the association, the Chief Minister directed the cancellation of transfer orders of all Associate Professors and Professors who had neither been relieved nor approached the court. Formal cancellation orders were issued on Saturday.
The government also assured the association that a transparent faculty rotation policy, with a two-month rotation cycle, would be introduced in accordance with sanctioned and required posts.
SAMDCOT further raised the demand for uniform service conditions across Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties (AIMSS), Chamiyana, and other government medical colleges in the state.
The proposed measures include a uniform no-vacation policy for designated Assistant Professors, Non-Practising Allowance (NPA) for all regular Assistant Professors, and a revision of the Senior Resident policy to ensure vacancies are filled across medical colleges. The association also sought a review of the postgraduate bond policy, with greater preference and career incentives for candidates completing their postgraduate education in Himachal Pradesh.
SAMDCOT also highlighted the need for a single administrative structure for IGMC Shimla and AIMSS Chamiyana. It maintained that AIMSS Chamiyana was conceived and developed as a super-speciality block of IGMC rather than as an independent teaching institution.
The association argued that the administrative division between the two institutions was hampering their development. It pointed out that AIMSS Chamiyana is not recognised as an independent teaching institution by the National Medical Commission (NMC), while DM and MCh admissions are governed through IGMC Shimla.
SAMDCOT maintained that a unified administrative arrangement under a single head, such as a Director or Vice-Principal working in coordination with IGMC, would be more appropriate than the existing dual administrative structure.
The association also expressed concern over suggestions that NMC guidelines were not mandatory as health was a state subject.
SAMDCOT stated that while healthcare administration falls within the state’s domain, standards governing professional and higher medical education are regulated under the constitutional framework, including Entry 66 of the Union List. It cautioned that any dilution or disregard of statutory NMC regulations could jeopardise the recognition of MBBS, MD/MS and super-speciality seats in the state.
SAMDCOT said the decision to defer the proposed agitation was taken in view of the cancellation of transfer orders and the constructive assurances given by the Chief Minister.
The two-week period will provide the government time to issue formal notifications and implement the agreed measures. The association will review the progress at the end of the period and decide its further course of action based on the implementation of the assurances.
The association reiterated its commitment to quality patient care and strengthening the public healthcare system in Himachal Pradesh, while maintaining that the legitimate concerns of medical teaching faculty must be addressed.
