SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Dec 25: Dr Subhashish Sarkar, Professor in the Preventive and Social Medicine (PSM) department at Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital (SBMCH), Hazaribagh, has been appointed as the new Director of Medical Education (DME) of Jharkhand.
The appointment was notified on Wednesday evening through an official order issued by Additional Secretary of the state government, Anand Kumar Sinha. Dr Sarkar is among the senior-most professors in the state’s medical education system.
Also Read- Jharkhand Govt reshuffles medical college administration, new heads named
Change After Long Interim Arrangement
Dr Sarkar replaces Dr S.K. Singh, Principal of SBMCH, Hazaribagh, who had been holding the additional charge of DME since the retirement of former Director Dr Arun Kumar in 2022. The DME post had remained without a full-time incumbent for over two years.
In 2022, following the retirement of Dr Arun Kumar, who was also Principal of PJMCH, Dumka, Dr Arun Kumar Choudhary—currently Principal of PJMCH—was the senior-most professor in the state. However, he reportedly declined to take on the additional responsibility of DME, after which Dr S.K. Singh was given the interim charge.
One Person, One Post Policy
A senior health department official said on Thursday that the government has now decided to strictly implement the “one person, one post” system. As Dr S.K. Singh was holding dual responsibilities as principal and DME, he has been relieved of the DME role, paving the way for Dr Sarkar’s appointment.
Before Dr Arun Kumar, the DME post was held solely by Prof (Dr) A.N. Mishra, former Principal of MGMMCH, Jamshedpur.
Also Read- Cold wave bites Jharkhand as fog lowers visibility on Christmas morning
Rising Responsibilities Prompt Decision
Sources said Dr S.K. Singh, who is due to retire in April 2026, had requested the department to relieve him of the DME charge citing health issues and the increasing workload associated with the principal’s post.
With the proposed medical university and expanding medical education activities in the state, the responsibilities of the DME have significantly increased.
Taking these factors into account, the health department accepted his request and appointed Dr Subhashish Sarkar as the new Director of Medical Education.
