New Delhi: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has removed a doctor from the post of Assistant Professor for not having the needed qualification, following an order by the Delhi High Court.

An official letter issued by AIIMS Director, Randeep Guleria, stated that following an order by the Delhi High Court, Kanika Jains appointment to the post of Assistant Professor of Hospital Administration has been terminated with immediate effect.

A Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) bench, headed by its Chairman, Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, along with administrative member, Aradhana Johri, opined last year that Jains degree of Diplomate of National Board (DNB) was insufficient for the post.

The tribunal had put away her appointment and said that she needed to undergo an additional year of residency in a Medical Council of India (MCI)-recognized hospital. The CAT had stated that out of the four years of training, one year had to be in an MCI-recognized hospital.

The tribunals decision came after a plea by three doctors who had also applied for the post of Assistant Professor of Hospital Administration in AIIMS. They had challenged Jains appointment stating that she did not have the requisite qualifications.

Jain defended by stating that her DNB degree was equivalent to an MD degree and she was qualified for the post.