The Chhattisgarh In-Service Doctors Association (CIDA) has strongly protested the state government’s appointment of a non-medical officer as Additional Director (Medical Education and Health Services) in the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), calling the move ‘deeply concerning’ and urged immediate reversal. In a statement by Dr A S Chauhan, State President, Chhattisgarh In-Service Doctors Association (CIDA) said that medical education is a highly specialised and technical field where policy and administrative decisions directly affect medical colleges, faculty, resident doctors and patient care. The association argued that senior posts in the directorate require incumbents with clinical experience and technical understanding to ensure sound decision-making.

 

CIDA highlighted several pressing challenges facing the state’s medical education system, including establishment of five new medical colleges, securing National Medical Commission (NMC) recognition, ensuring faculty availability and maintaining education quality. The Association said that only qualified and senior doctors can provide effective leadership on these issues. The association listed four core demands: immediate appointment of a qualified and senior medical doctor to the posts of Additional Director (Medical Education) and Additional Director (Health Services); priority for medical specialists in all technical and senior roles within the medical education department; prompt reconsideration and withdrawal of the current appointment order; and mandatory consultation with doctors’ organizations before taking major decisions related to medical education. CIDA emphasized that its objection is not directed against any individual officer but aims to protect the quality of medical education, safeguard the interests of medical colleges and strengthen the state’s health system. The association warned that if the government does not promptly review the decision, CIDA will be compelled to consider further democratic and constitutional measures.