SCB students oppose dean’s removal, surgeon’s transfer

Bhubaneswar: UG Students’ Union of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, on Thursday opposed the removal of Dr Lucy Das from the dean and principal post and the transfer of Dr N C Mohapatra, head of the orthopaedics department, SCB MCH, to PRM MCH, Baripada.Addressing a press conference at SCB, the students’ union said the professors were in no way related to the SCB fire incident, but govt changed them. “If govt does not revoke this decision, we will hold widespread agitation on this matter,” said the union representatives. “Dean is the academic head of the institution and is primarily responsible for academic affairs, curriculum standards, research, and student welfare. Therefore, holding the dean responsible for the fire incident is a grave injustice and an attempt to shield those who are accountable,” said Sanat Satyajit, president of UG Students’ Union, SCB Medical College.He said removal of the dean in the middle of the academic session, particularly at a time when the final MBBS examinations are going on, is completely unacceptable to the students. This decision disrupts the academic atmosphere and directly affects the future of students, he added.He said transferring an eminent surgeon like Dr NC Mohapatra, who has expertise in joint replacement and complex surgeries along with teaching, at this critical time will adversely impact both medical education and patient care.They demanded the immediate and unconditional revocation of the order removing the dean and principal, reinstatement of Dr Lucy Das in her rightful position, immediate cancellation of the transfer order of Dr NC Mohapatra, and a high-level, impartial, and transparent inquiry involving fire services, the engineering wing, the works department, and all concerned authorities.They also demanded strict and exemplary action against those who are responsible for the SCB fire accident. “We urge state govt to reconsider its decision immediately and uphold justice, transparency, and the dignity of this institution by revoking all such orders without delay,” said the union in its press statement.