DMCH principal Dr. Sandeep Puri resigns

Taking a major decisive move, Dr Sandeep Puri, Principal, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital (DMCH), Ludhiana has decided to resign from the institute on February 29. Dr Puri has been serving as the Principal of this prestigious institution from December 1, 2014 and he has been on the faculty of DMC&H since 1992. Previous to the post of the Principal, he had served at various positions including Professor & Head of Medicine (9 years), Medical Superintendent (14 years) and Vice Principal (1 year) in the institution. A change in the policy by the DMCH Management has led to this major step. The new policy of the institute does not allow doctors to continue their private practices. As a result, Dr Puri has decided to pursue his clinical work individually after leaving the institute tomorrow. Earlier to him, Dr Dinesh Gupta Head of Medicine, Dr Ranjiv Mahajan Head of Psychiatry, Dr Sumeet Chopra Head of Eye, Dr Rajinder Bansal Professor of Neurology, Dr Vikas DM Rheumatology, Dr Saurabh DM Endocrinology, Dr Sahil Chopra Professor of Eye and Dr Amit Berry Professor of Medicine have also resigned from the institute mainly on account of this policy change. Dr Puri had joined as a medical student in 1982 and rose to become the Principal of DMCH, Ludhiana. He was the first alumni of DMCH to hold the post of Principal for a period of 9 years and 3 months. He graduated in 1987 as the Best All round candidate of Dayanand Medical College and did his MD Medicine in 1991 from DMC. He has been recognised by the students for the Best Teacher Award. During his tenure as the Principal of DMCH, he achieved many major landmarks. It may be mentioned here that Dr Puri has made significant administrative contribution towards improving patient care, upgrading medical education standards and promoting research activities. He has held various positions in the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences:- including the Dean of faculty of Medical Sciences, Chairman, PG Board of Studies, Chairman, UG Board of Studies, Member of the Senate, Member Planning Board, & Member Expert, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Himachal Pradesh University. He was awarded as the prestigious Rabinder Nath Tagore Oration at APICON 2017, Fellowships by Indian College of Physicians, Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine, International Medical Science Academy and Membership of National Academy of Medical Sciences. He has a special interest in Rheumatology. He has been closely associated with organising several major events such as national conferences, principal investigator in a number of International clinical trials, supervising thesis and research work of postgraduate students, publishing scientific papers in national and international journals and delivering lectures or chairing sessions in national and international conferences. He is examiner of Internal Medicine in 5 Universities. An enthusiast of cultural activities, sports and youth affairs he has been associated with these activities as an administrator. He has a desire to stimulate the public for blood donation and has himself donated 93 times. Giving his reaction over the latest development, Sanjeev Arora, Vice President, DMCH managing Society said that Dr Puri is a renowned doctor who has an accomplished career as an academician and administrator. He added Dr Puri has earned name and fame not only in Ludhiana but in North India. He wishes Dr Puri all the best for great success in his future endeavours. He also mentioned the contributions of Dr Puri in the overall success and growth of DMCH which will never be forgotten. On being asked, Bipin Gupta, Secretary, DMCH Managing Society said “Dr Sandeep Puri is a wonderful doctor who has rendered very appreciable services to the institution over the years”. He added now Dr Puri is leaving DMCH in a “good faith”.