‘My priority will be to restore Vimsar’s image’
n What will be the areas you will focus on after you join office as director, Vimsar?
Many medical and paramedical posts at the premier health institution are lying vacant. My priority will be to fill up these posts at the earliest as only then can the institution deliver quality healthcare. Moreover, discipline at the workplace will be another focus of mine. Matters related to the students and infrastructure also need urgent attention.
n What is the biggest challenge before you?
The biggest challenge for me is the image of the institution. That matters a lot. A bad image of an institution creates mistrust among patients, and mistrust is a barrier to providing good health services. People across western Odisha depend on Vimsar, but the image of the institution has suffered due to some small reasons. We have to change the image of the institution.
n There is an allegation that doctors of the institution are involved in private practice and neglect hospital work
You will find black sheep in every profession. Doctors are also human beings and, of course, there will be some doctors who will not fall in line. We will try our best to change them. But the good thing about Vimsar is that there are many doctors there who are doing their job sincerely. Many of them are outstanding doctors.
n Do you plan to open new departments?
There is a requirement of superspecialty departments, but getting good faculty for these departments is a big challenge.
n You are an alumnus of the institution. Do you think it will be easy for you to resolve its problems?
I completed my MBBS from the institution a long time ago and many things have changed since then. I am not aware of the current situation here. I will analyse it once I arrive and take the required measures. It is not possible to resolve all problems overnight. I will seek the cooperation of every stakeholder to resolve the problems at my alma mater. I am optimistic about support from the government.