DCI Raps Govt Dental College Srinagar Over ‘Gross Deficiencies’

Srinagar: Coming down heavily on the Government Dental College (GDC), Srinagar over gross deficiency of clinical material and infrastructure, the Dental Council of India (DCI) on Friday sought a compliance report from the authorities by tomorrow (Tuesday) failing which the council will send “appropriate recommendations” to “the government of India for further action.

In a hard-hitting two page letter sent to the Principal GDC, Srinagar, the Council has asked the authorities to immediately fulfill the deficiencies and furnish the compliance report latest by October 5, 2021 to the council “positively”, for furtherance in the matter.

“No compliance report thereafter shall be entertained by DCI and appropriate recommendations of the first spell would be sent to the Government of India without any further notice,” reads the communication, a copy of which lies with the Kashmir Observer.

The letter by DCI came nearly three weeks after the Council’s team of inspectors comprising of Dr. R.Sridharan and Dr. Pankaj Datta carried out an inspection on September 13-14 to verify the achievements of annual target for renewal of Central Government Permission for admitting 4th batch of students in MDS course and for increase of seats in the specialty of Prosthodontics Crown and Bridge from 2 to 3 seats at Government Dental College and Hospital, Shireen Bagh, Srinagar for the academic year 2022-2023.

The letter has also listed a number of deficiencies, including Dental Chairs, Articulator, High Speed Lathe, Acrylizer, Dewaxing Unit, Hydraulic Press, Model Trimmer with Diamond Disc, Casting Machine, Milling Machine, Stereo Microscope, Magnifying Work Lamp, X-ray Machine with RVG, Educating Models, Implant Removing Instruments and other clinical equipments.

Letter further adds that the Casting Lab is non functional and most equipment is damaged while no consumable stock was present. It further notes that no patients were visible during the inspection.

“The GDC has no availability of E-Library and the Department Library contains an insufficient title.” The letter notes.

Pertinently, the letter by DCI Assistant Secretary, Anil Kumar to the Principal GDC, Srinagar comes days after Kashmir Observer highlighted the issue in its weekly “Inkishaf” program titled, “Unbearable Toothache At Srinagar Dental College”.

The report had highlighted how GDC, Srinagar, was lacking basic instruments for the daily operation, including the Orthopantomogram Machine (OPG) which provides panoramic X-ray of the upper and lower jaws, including the teeth. GDC in a press statement had denied lack of infrastructure and even claimed that the x-ray machines like OPG were not necessary for GDC and Hospital.

In its letter, the DCI has also raised questions on the staff assessment for publications of Prof (Dr) Shabir Ahmed Shah who has only 35 points against requirement of 40 points, the letter notes.

“The Promotion letters of Dr. Umaid Iqbal and Dr. Nazia are not present.” The letter noted “Dr. Sandeep on leave.”

Addressing GDC, the DCI demanded an action by the college in ensuring that the raised issues are acted upon urgently without any delay.

A copy of the letter has also been forwarded to the president of Dental Council of India

Talking to Kashmir Observer, Financial Commissioner (Addl Chief Secretary) Health and Medical Education Department, Vivek Bharadwaj said that he will take appropriate action in this regard soon.

“We’ll be reviewing this DCI letter and a proper action will be taken,” he said.