The Centre has initiated the process to appoint a new full-time director for the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, more than two months after former director Dr M Srinivas moved to NITI Aayog. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advertisement inviting applications from Indian nationals, non-resident Indians (NRIs), and persons of Indian origin for this prestigious medical leadership position.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
According to the advertisement, candidates must have a postgraduate qualification in medicine, surgery, or public health. They should have at least 10 years of teaching and research experience, along with a minimum of 25 years of professional standing. Extensive administrative experience in medical education, research, public health, or healthcare institutions is also required. The upper age limit is set at 62 years, and the selected candidate will serve a term of five years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
Interim Leadership
Until a full-time director is appointed, Prof Nikhil Tandon, Head of the Department of Endocrinology, will continue as the interim director. The AIIMS director oversees not only one of the busiest hospitals in the country but also a network of academic, research, and administrative functions that influence health policy and medical training nationwide.
Potential Contenders
Among the possible candidates for the position are Prof Neena Malhotra (obstetrics and gynaecology), Prof Naveet Wig (internal medicine), Prof Uma Kumar (rheumatology), Prof Sanjay Rai (community medicine), and Prof Sudhir Gupta (forensic medicine). The selection process will determine who leads India's premier public healthcare and medical research institution for the next five years.
