KATHMANDU: Dr Damodar Pokharel has been appointed new vice-chancellor of National Academy of Medical Sciences on the recommendation of a three-member recommendation committee under the leadership of Uma Kanta Chaudhary, Minister for Health and Population. Bhabindra Karki, press advisor to the minister, told media persons that Dr Pokharel had been working as cardiothoracic surgeon at the Bir Hospital. The committee formed on March 15 approved Pokharel’s appointment as per NAMS Act 2007. The committee was given one week to recommend new officials at NAMS. “Other NAMS officials will be appointed as soon as possible,” said the press advisor, adding that the new VC has been appointed for resolving the disputes dogging NAMS for the past four months. Talking to The Himalayan Times, Karki said the meeting between three major parties decided to forge consensus for resolving the disputes. A three-member working committee was also formed three months ago under the leadership of health minister to probe against officials who had failed to fulfil their responsibilities. The committee was formed on Prime Minister’s direction after one-fourth of the employees of NAMS filed a written complain against the vice-chancellor and registrar of NAMS.