JOIN USKarnataka Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital (KIMS) Director M G Hiremath resigned here on Tuesday taking moral responsibility to some doctors attending a wine-and-dine party when the State was mourning the demise of musician Pandit Puttaraj Gavai on Saturday.
Video footage of KIMS doctors drinking and dancing to popular Hindi item numbers aired on various television channels had evoked widespread protests. Even Home Minister V S Acharya, who holds the Medical Education portfolio, had strongly reacted to the incident saying it is “an act of impropriety by doctors”.
Addressing a hurriedly-called press conference on Tuesday, Dr Hiremath categorically denied allegations that the party was hosted by KIMS. “The institute was in no way connected to the party. Tt was arranged by the alumni association. Though technically I cannot be held responsible, I am resigning to my post taking moral responsibility.”
Dr Hiremath said the alumni association of KIMS had organised a programme at a private hotel on Gokul Road to honour teachers and meritorious students. He said he attended the programme along with his family members and returned home after having dinner. “I do not know what happened after I left,” he maintained.
Amid apologises, the director made a serious allegation against MLC Basavaraj Horatti saying the legislator was interfering in the administration of KIMS, which had made it impossible for him to perform his duty. “Even this incident may be the handiwork of Horatti,” he said.