MGM Medical College In Indore Removes SSH Super After Drug Store Irregularities; Internal Politics Alleged

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In a dramatic administrative shake-up, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College (MGM), Indore removed Dr Sumit Shukla from his position as Superintendent of the Super Specialty Hospital (SSH).

The order, signed by Dean Dr Arvind Ghanghoria late on Sunday night, announced the appointment of Dr Ashok Yadav as in-charge superintendent with immediate effect.

The move comes in the wake of a surprise inspection carried out by Dr Ghanghoria on the night of August 10 at the SSH drug store. The inspection revealed a shocking stockpile of expired medicines, including high-value cancer drugs, vaccines, surgical items and injections.

Several costly biological drugs, estimated at Rs 20 lakh, were found stored in improper conditions. Many drugs were kept at room temperature instead of mandatory controlled environment. All the expired and improperly stored items were seized and documented on the spot.

While action against Dr Shukla was swift, what has triggered debate in the medical community is the apparent lack of accountability for the hospital’s pharmacist and store in-charge, who were directly responsible for managing the drug inventory. 

‘The superintendent has been removed for an irregularity that falls under the direct responsibility of the store in-charge and pharmacist. If this is the standard, similar action should be taken against superintendents of other hospitals under MGM, where such lapses are common,’ a senior faculty member on condition of anonymity said.