AIIMS Delhi’s interim director, Professor Nikhil Tandon, is set to finish his term soon.
NEW DELHI: Who will head AIIMS Delhi next? With the six-month interim tenure of Professor Nikhil Tandon nearing its end, the appointment of a regular director is being keenly watched amid a senior faculty exodus, persistent vacancies and delays in the institute’s ambitious campus redevelopment plans.
An office memorandum dated April 27 assigned Tandon, professor and head of endocrinology and metabolism and dean (academic), the functions of the director for six months or until a regular incumbent was appointed, whichever was earlier. Govt had invited applications for the full-time post by Aug 2. Sources said the applicant pool includes more than 60 candidates, with several highly competent contenders. Sources said 15 senior faculty members took voluntary retirement between 2023 and 2025; at least 13 joined private hospitals.
The six-month period is due to end Tuesday. The selection of the director rests with the appointments committee of the cabinet. The next director is expected to address faculty vacancies, improve retention of doctors, improve existing facilities and take forward infrastructure plans.