PUDUCHERRY: The Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Medical College Society (PKMCS) has been reconstituted with the Chief Minister as its chairman. The society, which governs the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute and the Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda Medical College at Mahe, was earlier headed by the health minister. However, before the Assembly elections, the health minister resigned from the post to contest the elections. After election, when the AINRC government led by N Rangasamy assumed power, the meetings of the governing body of the society could not be convened as the post of the health minister had fallen vacant.
Though four ministers have assumed charge 10 days ago, portfolios have yet to be assigned. The Societies Act was amended to make the Chief Minister the chairman of the governing body.
However, with NR assuming charge as chairman of the PKMCS, it is a matter of conjecture as to whether he would hold the health portfolio himself. Also significant is the fact that the medical colleges are supported by funds from the department of health and family welfare.