Questions have been raised over the suitability of at least 2 of the 3 doctors shortlisted for the post of the Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, one of the country's premier teaching hospitals and medical and research institutes. The shortlisting was done by a 3-member search and selection committee set up by Union Health Minister J P Nadda. An SC/ST body at PGI has alleged discrimination against SC candidates in the selection, and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes has said it is not satisfied with the process and recommended a "review" of the shortlist. The search and selection committee, formed in August this year, was headed by Union Health Secretary C K Mishra and included Dr. V M Katoch, former D-G of the Indian Council of Medical Research, and Dr. Shridhar Dwivedi of Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, New Delhi. The appointment of a new director is urgent as Dr. Y K Chawla, head of the Department of Hepatology, ended his 5-year tenure on October 7, and Dr. Subhash Verma, Dean, has been officiating as Director since. The post was advertised in March, but interviews were conducted only in October. PGI officials said the delay was because the Ministry had to go through several processes before the search committee was approved by the Department of Personnel and Training.