The appointment of additional responsibilities to the Director-Cum-Vice Chancellor of Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS), a prestigious medical institution under the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), has triggered a major controversy.
Following the completion of the tenure of Dr. R.V. Kumar, who served as the Director-Cum-Vice Chancellor of SVIMS, TTD Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao reportedly issued orders assigning additional charge of the post to Dr. Guduru Jagadish, Director of TTD’s BIRRD Hospital.
Questions Over Eligibility and Appointment Rules
The appointment has come under scrutiny amid allegations that it may not be in accordance with the regulations of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the rules governing SVIMS.
Critics point out that individuals appointed to a Vice Chancellor-level position are expected to have substantial academic and administrative experience, including experience as a Professor and in key positions such as Head of Department (HOD), Dean or Registrar.
Against this backdrop, questions are being raised over how such a crucial responsibility at an institution like SVIMS could be assigned to a person who, according to critics, has not even served as an Assistant Professor.
Age Limit Raises Further Concerns
Another major issue being debated is the age of the person given the additional charge.
Critics claim that NMC regulations impose restrictions on appointing individuals above the age of 70 to key Vice Chancellor-level positions. Since Dr. Guduru Jagadish is reportedly 72 years old, questions are being raised over whether his appointment complies with the applicable rules.
The controversy has intensified with demands for TTD to clarify whether the age-related provisions were taken into consideration before issuing the appointment orders.
Earlier Allegations Concerning BIRRD Hospital
Questions surrounding the appointment have also brought earlier allegations against Dr. Guduru Jagadish back into focus.
Critics point to a complaint reportedly submitted by an anonymous devotee to the TTD Executive Officer last December regarding the functioning of BIRRD Hospital. The complaint allegedly raised concerns over the management of the hospital, procurement of medical implants and medicines, shortages of surgical implants, and the management of OPD services.
Allegations Over Medical Implant Procurement
The complaint reportedly contained allegations that changes were made in the tender conditions in a manner that allegedly benefited certain bidders.
There were also allegations regarding the use of substandard surgical implants and the purchase of medical equipment and implants at prices allegedly higher than market rates, resulting in significant financial loss to the government.
The complainant also reportedly sought action on vigilance cases allegedly registered in the past.
It is important to note that these are allegations raised in a complaint and do not, by themselves, establish wrongdoing unless verified through an official inquiry or competent authority.
Demand for TTD Clarification
Against this backdrop, the decision to assign additional charge of the Director-Cum-Vice Chancellor post at SVIMS to Dr. Guduru Jagadish has drawn strong criticism.
The central questions now being raised are whether the appointment was made strictly in accordance with NMC and SVIMS regulations, and whether the eligibility, experience and age-related requirements were properly examined before the order was issued.
Critics are demanding that TTD provide a clear explanation and disclose the rules and eligibility criteria under which the appointment was made.
