The Government Ayurvedic Medical College in Akhnoor is under scrutiny as severe mismanagement and a lack of proper staff have caused the institution to become nearly defunct, failing to adhere to the guidelines set by the Nation Commission for Indian System of Medicines (NCISM), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, New Delhi. The distressing state of affairs has come to light after a recent inspection conducted by the NCISM, revealing significant shortcomings that have hampered the college’s functionality and compromised patient care.
In an alarming revelation, it has been uncovered that the College administration failed to take prompt action to fill crucial vacancies, including eight positions for Medical Officers. The posts were advertised through an official Notice (No.06-GAMC of 2021, Dated: 08.11.2021), and interviews were conducted on 02.12.2022. Shockingly, despite several months passing since the interviews were conducted, no tangible steps were taken to fill these critical roles.
As a result of this negligence, the Government Ayurvedic Medical College in Akhnoor has been reduced to a shadow of its former self, causing immense suffering to patients and tarnishing the reputation of this esteemed government institution. Numerous concerned aspirants, who had applied for the Medical Officer positions, have approached the relevant authorities, including the Principal, Director (AYUSH), Administrative Secretary (H & ME), and higher officials. However, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears, amplifying the frustration and despair among those affected.
The gravity of the situation was further confirmed during the NCISM inspection carried out on 11.05.2023 and 12.05.2023. The subsequent report (No. 26-112/MARB/2023-Ay, Dt. 09.06.2023) highlighted the glaring deficiencies within the college. The inspection report emphasizes the urgent need for adequate staffing, including Medical Officers, Staff Nurses, House Officers, Bio Statisticians, a Full-Time Principal, Medical Superintendent, Deputy Medical Superintendent, Matron, and other essential positions. Additionally, it was noted that the college lacks a dedicated website although the website has been made functional now, further adding to the embarrassment and concerns surrounding the institution’s credibility.
To conceal their incompetence, the Director AYUSH resorted to underhanded tactics by issuing a hasty notice (No. Dir-Ayush/Estt./10206-11, Dated 28.06.2023). The notice directed previously appointed Medical Officers from various Ayush Dispensaries to take on additional duties as Medical Officers at the Government Ayurvedic Medical College in Akhnoor. This maneuver not only undermines the rights of the aspiring candidates who had participated in the interviews but also perpetuates a culture of unfairness and favoritism.
In light of these distressing revelations, the aggrieved aspirants to the post of Medical Officers in Ayush seek immediate intervention from the LG Administration. They appeal for swift action and the issuance of directives to ensure the appointment of qualified and deserving candidates who participated in the interviews, thereby restoring the functionality and reputation of the Government Ayurvedic Medical College in Akhnoor.
The citizens of Akhnoor and infact the UT of Jammu & Kashmir join the aspirants in their plea to the LG Administration, urging them to address this matter urgently and rectify the alarming mismanagement plaguing the college. It is imperative that the government takes swift action to restore the proper functioning of this prestigious Ayurvedic institution and protect the well-being of the ailing population who depend on its services.
