In a stern administrative move, the Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences (SSIMS), Bhilai, has suspended Dr Shivendra Singh Tiwari, Associate Professor in General Surgery, for a period of 15 days, following a widely circulated WhatsApp advertisement allegedly posted by him. The ad, which carried a creative, but controversial health message quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s symbolic phrase, “Blood and water cannot flow together”, sparked criticism within professional circles and was deemed ‘disgraceful’ by the college administration. The order, a copy of which has been accessed by The Hitavada, issued on May 15, 2025 by the Dean of SSIMS, categorically stated that the act of promoting oneself through viral social media circulation was “unwarranted and disgraceful”, especially from a person holding the responsible position of a medical educator.

 

The advertisement, positioned in a public health context, merged political symbolism with a urological advisory, urging people to consult a specialist if blood appears in urine. The content, however, invited institutional disapproval for its perceived self-aggrandisement.

 

“The management has therefore taken a very serious view of the above act,” read the office order, adding that a high-power committee has been constituted to investigate the matter further. Dr Tiwari has been asked to report to the Dean’s office daily at 9:00 am during the suspension period. Sources confirmed that the Chhattisgarh State Medical Council has served a show-cause notice to Dr Tiwari, demanding an explanation. Furthermore, a formal complaint has also been forwarded to the National Medical Commission (NMC), New Delhi, seeking appropriate disciplinary action under professional conduct guidelines. The developments have been officially communicated to the Director of Medical Education, Government of Chhattisgarh, and the Hon’ble Chairman of Shri Gangajali Education Society (SGES), Bhilai—which manages the Shri Shankaracharya Group of Institutions, for their cognisance and institutional review.