New Delhi|HL
The policies are made for the betterment of the system, for fair development and transparent governance in the organisation. It is also enhancing social well-being but the years back a policy framed called ‘Rotation of Headships’ for health institutions like AIIMS Delhi and PGI Chandigarh is now becoming a ignoring chapter.
Considering this as serious issue the Faculty Association of AIIMS (FAIMS), New Delhi, and the Faculty Association of PGI Chandigarh have jointly expressed deep concern over the continued delay in implementing the long-standing policy of *rotatory headship* in their premier institutions. A General Body Meeting of FAIMS was held on this week followed by the General Body Meeting of the PGI Chandigarh Faculty Association on 17th April 2025. Both bodies unanimously voiced that the rotatory headship system, along with the collegium system, is essential for promoting a fair, transparent, and democratic governance structure within their institutions.
In 2023, the *Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India*, formally communicated that the rotatory headship policy would be implemented in AIIMS New Delhi and PGI Chandigarh from June 2024. Despite this, no tangible steps have been taken toward its enforcement, even after the lapse of almost a year and repeated representations by faculty bodies.
Furthermore, multiple rounds of dialogue with Health Ministry officials have taken place. However, the Hon’ble Union Health Minister has not granted an audience to either association, with the matter being repeatedly deferred without justification.
The associations also mentioned that this rotational headship policy is one of the key recommendations of central government panel constituted in 2006. The same system has been followed by many other central institutes at both national and sub-national level like IMS, BHU Varanasi, NIMANS Bengaluru, JIPMER Puducherry and CMC Vellore. In capital Delhi Safdarjung hospital, Lady Hardinge hospital and other also have similar policy.
In light of this prolonged inaction, both associations have resolved to issue a 14-day deadline from 17th April 2025 for the policy to be implemented. The faculties announced for a phased protest which will begin from 1st May 2025:
First Month: Black Badge Protest
Second Month :Relay Hunger Protest
Beyond Two Months: Escalation to more stringent protest actions
The associations stands in solidarity and firmly reiterate their commitment to institutional integrity, equity in leadership, and upholding democratic values in India’s leading healthcare and academic institutions. We urge the Ministry to honor its own commitment and avoid a situation where faculty are forced into protest to achieve a policy that has already been promised.
