Army justifies Base Hospital commandant's abrupt transfer, cites HR management plan
By Asianet Newsable English | First Published May 13, 2021, 4:32 PM IST"Sidestepping the officer to a different assignment would assist the officer to de-stress and plan his superannuation which is also an important aspect of HR management," the Indian Army said in a statement.
Taking note of media reports regarding the abrupt transfer of Delhi-based Base Hospital's Commandant, the Indian Army has clarified that the posting order was part of a larger Human Resource management plan within the Armed Forces Medical Services.
The transfer of the Commandant, Major General Vasu Vardhan, to the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in Delhi itself raised eyebrows in the military circle as the officer is due to retire in three months.
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As per the Indian Army, Major General Vardhan has completed a tenure of more than 18 months and is scheduled to superannuate in August 2021.
"Sidestepping the officer to a different assignment would assist the officer to de-stress and plan his superannuation which is also an important aspect of HR management," the Indian Army said in a statement.
It must be mentioned here that the officer has been handling a very high-pressure appointment, personally treating Covid-19 patients (being a Pulmonologist) apart from overseeing the administration of the hospital for over a year.
In addition, the officer went through a personal bereavement recently. He lost his mother a few days back.
On the appointment of Major General SK Singh, who was the deputy commandant at Lucknow-based Army Medical Corps Centre and College, the Army said, "The second senior-most officer in the same hospital, Brigadier Sandeep Thareja who stands approved for promotion to the rank of Major General is also scheduled to be posted out on promotion in the same timeframe. Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt is the hub of Covid treatment for all serving personnel, veterans and their dependents in Delhi."
"Turnover of two senior-most and important functionaries of the hospital at the same time when the hospital would still be treating Covid patients will not be in the best interest of the establishment," it added.
Major General SK Singh's appointment as Commandant of Base Hospital is a considered and deliberate decision so that there is adequate overlap and continuity in the top hierarchy of the hospital in these challenging times, it said.
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