Women docs appointed in key posts in Tirupati

Tirupati: Interestingly, three women doctors have been assigned important tasks by the government by appointing them in key posts to address the medical and health issues in the famous temple city.

Accepting the resignation of the Director cum Vice-Chancellor of Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) Dr TS Ravikumar, the government has appointed reputed Neurologist Dr B Vengamma in his place on Thursday and she took charge for the second stint immediately on Friday.

Along with this appointment in a major reshuffle in Medical and Health department, the government has shifted Ruia Hospital Superintendent Dr B Sidda Naik, who will continue as Professor of Ophthalmology in SV Medical College and posted Dr V Bhavani in his place.

She is currently discharging the duties of Superintendent of Government Maternity Hospital, Tirupati. Also, Professor of Medicine in SV Medical College Dr C Jaya Bhaskar was entrusted with the responsibilities of Principal of the same college.

These three postings assumed significance as the two hospitals and medical college have earned reputation by catering to the needs of people belonging to 5 to 6 districts. SVIMS became the only super-speciality hospital in government sector post bifurcation.

With more than 30 departments, it has been extending various services and schemes offered by TTD and government. Pranadanam programme, Balaji Aarogya Varaprasidini, YSR Aarogya Sri and a host of other schemes help patients immensely.

It has dedicated and well experienced faculty. There is every need to upgrade facilities and research activities from time to time for the benefit of the patients and society on which the new Director has to lay more focus.

Dr Vengamma is not new to the institute as she has been serving here since 1992 in various capacities. She also worked as Director cum VC of SVIMS for almost six years during 2009-2015 but has to step down following some controversies.

After the new government assumed charge in May this year, a committee was appointed to enquire into the allegations which has yet to submit its report. She has to run the Institute till the search committee has to formally chose a new Director cum VC.

Dr Bhavani, who has been running the Maternity Hospital smoothly, has to face several challenges as Superintendent of Ruia Hospital which has been considered as the hospital for the poor. With more than 1,000 bed strength, it will have the inpatients of about 1,000 at any time and more than 1,500 outpatients visit the hospital every day.

The hospital was under scanner always with one several problems. The Collector has pulled up hospital administration recently for poor sanitation, lack of central lab facilities and various other administrative lapses. The new Superintendent has to resolve all issues to bring back the administration on to tracks.

Dr Jaya Bhaskar has been tipped to head reputed SV Medical College which will complete 60 years next year. She will replace Dr G Ravi Prabhu, who assumed charge in August 2018 in a sudden development following the student agitation protesting a medico's suicide.

Jaya has to take steps and fulfil the requirements to get super speciality courses to the college besides addressing several pending works. During her tenure, only the college may celebrate diamond jubilee celebrations.