TNR News Network
SHIMLA: The State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT), based at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla, has condemned the recent policy decisions by the Himachal Pradesh government, describing them as “damaging to faculty morale, medical education and public health delivery”.
In a joint statement, Dr Balbeer Verma (president, SAMDCOT) and Dr Piyush Kapila (general secretary, SAMDCOT) raised several serious concerns and called on the government to immediately reverse course or face collective action from faculty members across the state.
Withdrawal of NPA for HPPSC-appointed faculty sparks outrage
At the top of SAMDCOT’s concerns is the withdrawal of the non-practicing allowance (NPA) for faculty members appointed through the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC), while the allowance continues for those promoted via departmental promotion committees (DPC).
“This discriminatory policy undermines transparency, devalues merit-based recruitment and is demoralising talented faculty,” the statement read.
The association also criticised the appointment of postgraduate medical officers at what it called an “insultingly low” salary of Rs 36,000 per month. According to SAMDCOT, such decisions are driving highly trained medical professionals out of the state to institutions offering better compensation, research opportunities and professional respect.
Proposed shifting of KNH gynaecology wing branded ‘medically irrational’
SAMDCOT expressed strong opposition to the reported plan to shift the gynaecology wing of Kamla Nehru Hospital (KNH) to the IGMC campus. The association argued that the move lacks medical justification and risks severely disrupting both patient care and postgraduate medical education.
KNH currently operates as a specialised facility with 275 beds dedicated to high-risk obstetric and gynaecological cases, four operational theatres, an emergency OT, 20-bed labour room, neonatal intensive care, a functional infertility clinic and a separate radiology wing with ultrasound and digital X-ray capabilities.
“Transferring this wing to IGMC, which is already space-constrained, could compromise National Medical Commission (NMC) requirements and risk derecognition of courses,” SAMDCOT warned, citing the recent contentious relocation of the Cardiology department to AIIMS, Chamiana, as a cautionary example.
The association also protests administrative decisions being made without consultation with the institution’s principal. “Granting unchecked authority to administrative officers unfamiliar with clinical management is harming patient services,” the statement said.
Concerns over arbitrary appointments, extensions
The faculty body further raised alarms about recent promotions and administrative extensions of principals in government medical colleges, alleging a lack of transparency and disregard for seniority.
“Despite repeated assurances, the government has granted extensions to select individuals, ignoring institutional hierarchies and merit. This has deeply affected faculty morale and trust in the system,” SAMDCOT stated.
SAMDCOT has issued a three-point demand agenda to the Himachal Pradesh government:
- Restore NPA for all faculty members, regardless of appointment method.
- Cancel the proposed shifting of KNH’s gynaecology wing and strengthen the hospital as an independent mother and child care centre.
- Ensure fairness and transparency in principal-level appointments, respecting seniority and existing norms.
If the government fails to address these concerns, the association has warned of protests, including mass resignations from administrative posts, legal challenges and public demonstrations.
