Govt not to extend Gandhi chief's term

HYDERABAD: In response to theagitation by the AP Government Doctor's Association (APGDA) demandingnon-extension of the present superintendent's term once again, the governmenthas decided to relieve Dr B Balaraju from service from January 3, the day histerm ends.Balaraju, who has been on contract since January 2008,will hand over charge to Dr M Narsing Rao, additional director of medicaleducation, and principal of the Gandhi Medical College. "Till further orders,Narsing Rao will be the in-charge superintendent of the hospital. However, afinal decision will be taken by the government soon," director of medicaleducation (DME) Dr Sudha Ramana told 'TOI.'APGDA has been opposingextension to Balaraju as they hold the view that his appointment was made inviolation of rules.Fearing the government might give anotherextension to him, the APGDA started holding 30-minute demonstrations across thestate and doctors worked wearing black badges. Plans were on to intensify theagitation from January 2 if his term was extended. Balaraju said, "Idid not request for an extension. If the government thinks I am fit for thepost, I will be appointed." However, APGDA president Dr PuttaSrinivas said that the association would continue its agitation at GandhiHospital on January 2 as last year too the same process was followed by thegovernment. "It did not appoint a regular doctor yet for the post," Srinivassaid.