SUBHASH MISHRA
Dumka, Dec 31: Prof (Dr) Arun Kumar Choudhary, the senior-most principal among Jharkhand’s government medical colleges, retired on Tuesday from Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital (PJMCH), Dumka, bringing to a close a distinguished career spanning over 33 years in medical education and public health administration.
Dr Choudhary superannuated on December 31, 2025, after serving two major government medical institutions in the state in key leadership roles.
Warm Farewell at PJMCH Dumka
Faculty members, staff and students of PJMCH accorded a warm farewell to Dr Choudhary, praising his role in stabilising and strengthening the newly established medical college during his three-year tenure as principal.
Medical Superintendent Dr Ruben Hembram and senior faculty members including Dr L.B. Tudu, Dr N.K. Karmali, Dr Shash Bala Nag, Dr Rani Soren, Dr Budhhan Baitha, Dr Sai Ravi, Dr Sonu, Dr Pinki, Dr Vikash and Dr Gautam recalled his disciplined administrative style, academic leadership and commitment to institutional growth.
Instrumental in Streamlining a New Medical College
Dr Choudhary took charge as Principal of PJMCH Dumka on August 1, 2022, at a time when the institution was still evolving. Colleagues credited him with strengthening academic systems, improving hospital services and laying a solid administrative foundation for the medical college.
ALSO READ: Jharkhand News: Delay in pension payment at NPU sparks concern
Second Regular Principal of PMCH Dhanbad
Dr Arun Kumar Choudhary also holds the distinction of being the second regular Principal of Patliputra Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), Dhanbad, now known as Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH).
In 2010, the Jharkhand government appointed principals and superintendents for PMCH Dhanbad and MGM Medical College, Jamshedpur, through a seven-member selection committee. Dr Choudhary served as PMCH Principal from 2010 till December 31, 2013. Dr B.N. Sinha was the first regular principal of PMCH.
Long Association with SNMMCH and PMCH
In 2019, Dr Choudhary was appointed Superintendent of SNMMCH Dhanbad, but after 22 months was reverted to his parent department. Being the senior-most professor in the state, he was later appointed Principal of PJMCH Dumka in August 2022.
A professor of Pharmacology, Dr Choudhary, joined PMCH in 1992, became Head of the Department in 2002 and was promoted to professor in 2004.
Academic Background and Early Service
Dr Choudhary completed his MBBS from Bhagalpur Medical College (1977–83 batch) and his postgraduate degree from Darbhanga Medical College in 1988. The same year, he qualified through the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC).
His first posting was as Medical Officer-in-Charge at Barahat Primary Health Centre in January 1989. After completing his Trainee Reserve Post at Darbhanga Medical College, he joined PMCH’s Pharmacology department in 1992.
Personal Bereavement Before Retirement
Just four days before his retirement, Dr Choudhary suffered a personal loss with the death of his father, Pt. Radhakant Choudhary (89), at Begusarai.
Dr Arun Kumar Choudhary retires, leaving behind a legacy of institution-building, academic discipline and public service that has shaped Jharkhand’s medical education system for more than three decades.
