Hubballi: The Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), one of North Karnataka’s largest health institutes, has been operating without a medical superintendent for the past six months. This surprising situation highlights the negligence of both KIMS's in-charge director, Dr. SF Kammar, and the government, who have shown minimal interest in filling this critical position.


As the region's largest government hospital, KIMS is a vital lifeline for North Karnataka. On average, more than 1,000 patients are admitted daily to its inpatient department, and another 1,000 are treated at its outpatient department.


The vacancy arose in January when KIMS Medical Superintendent Dr. Arunkumar was appointed as the director of DIMHANS in Dharwad. Since then, the position has remained unfilled. 

Doctors at KIMS allege that the absence of a medical superintendent is disrupting the hospital's routine operations. They demand that at least an interim superintendent be appointed until a permanent replacement is found.


In response to inquiries from Hubli Express, KIMS Director Dr. SF Kammar stated that the process of appointing a new medical superintendent is ongoing and that an appointment is expected this week. He also noted a reluctance among senior doctors to take on the role.


Director of Medical Education (DME) Dr. Sujata Rathod informed Hubli Express that the file related to the appointment is currently with the minister, and the appointment could happen at any time. Efforts to contact Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil were unsuccessful. Previously, he assured this newspaper that the appointment would be made shortly, but no action has been taken so far.


Arvind Bellad, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, expressed his concern and promised to speak with the concerned minister. He also pledged to write a letter to the minister to expedite the appointment process.