MCI secretary rejoins

MCI secretary Sangeeta Sharma quit on June 14 citing “indecent behaviour” of the Board of Governors Chairman and former director of Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh K K Talwar. Sharma, however, rejoined on Monday.

“I rejoined because I was assured by the entire board that my grievances will be taken care of,” she said on Wednesday. Sangeeta Sharma was appointed by the previous board of governors headed by Delhi-based veteran medical professional SK Sarin in March.

Her appointment generated controversy as the union health ministry reprimanded Sarin for not taking approval of the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet before the appointment.

Incidentally, Sharma rejoined on the day when another MCI staff, deputy secretary Anshuman Darbari, quit citing personal reasons. However, both claimed Darbari's resignation was due to personal reasons and there were no professional problems.

Adding fuel to fire, a non-governmental organisation pointed fingers at Talwar claiming he was abruptly appointed by the health ministry despite having a clear  “conflict of interest.”