The sudden and unexpected resignation of chief medical officer (CMO), Shyam Sungkur, has raised many questions. Sources close to the ministry of Health suggest that it is the result of a tense relationship with his boss over the past few months. The real reasons, however, remain unclear. For some, the last straw was sensitive information he is said to have leaked to the press. For others, it has only been an excuse to force his resignation from his post.

After 38 years’ service in the ministry, Dr Shyam Sungkur was supposed to retire next August. Even though he says his decision to retire a year before the expected date is a matter of “personal choice”, Minister Satish Faugoo was not keen on making comments - he only declared: “He has decided to go on early retirement of his own will. He had only a few months left in the service.”

But, according to various sources, the fact that he may have given information to the press is not the real reason behind his resignation. “He has been talking to the press for such a long time that this can only be an excuse. When public health is concerned, he has to make the situation clear if he is asked questions. This is part of his job as long as he makes the difference between confidential information and technical explanation. But he has always respected this line,” said a source close to the ministry.

In fact, the ministry has been criticising the way he has tackled the chinkungunya issue. Moreover, he could have been tired of the rivalry between members of the ministry and this could be the main reason for his resignation. There might have been so much pressure that the situation had finally become unbearable.

Other sources say his general performance had not been as good as usual over the past few months and his strained relationship with his boss, Jaya Veerapen, may have contributed to his final decision. Likewise, his good relationship with members of the former government may have led to the tension with present members of the ministry.

But what appears as a certainty in medical circles is that Dr Sungkur is “above all a professional. This is a great loss for the health sector. This technical officer, who has been at the centre of several innovations, was entitled to a better end to his career…”