Doctors Express Discontent Over Leadership Choice
Jaipur: The Rajasthan chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has strongly opposed the appointment of Dr. Pramod Yeole, a non-medical professional, as the Vice-Chancellor of Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS), Jaipur. In a letter to Rajasthan Governor and Chancellor Haribhau Bagde, the IMA urged the cancellation of the appointment, citing “deep resentment and dissatisfaction” among medical professionals.
Concerns Over Medical Education Leadership
The IMA emphasized that medical universities should be led by professionals with higher medical qualifications such as MBBS, MD, DM, or MCh. “The very purpose of establishing medical universities was to ensure medical education remains in the hands of experts deeply involved in the field,” the letter stated.
Describing the appointment as “unfair and unjust,” the association warned that it could compromise the quality of medical education and negatively impact the careers of students, teachers, and doctors in the state. RUHS oversees around 30 government medical colleges and nursing institutions across Rajasthan.
Demand for Reconsideration
The IMA asserted that the decision undermines the competence of Rajasthan’s medical professionals and called on the Governor to revoke Yeole’s appointment. IMA national vice president Dr. Sunil Chugh warned of potential agitation if the decision is not reconsidered.
Official Response and Yeole’s Credentials
Raj Bhawan officials defended the appointment, stating that it was made based on the recommendation of a selection committee and in consultation with the state government.
Dr. Pramod Yeole, a Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate, previously served as Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, in 2019. He was also Pro-Vice Chancellor of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University in 2015 and worked as a Professor and Principal at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research in Wardha for 15 years before his administrative appointments.
