Following severe public outrage, the AIIMS Delhi has reversed its decision to shut down non-essential services for half day on Monday to celebrate the Ayodhya Ram Mandir pran prathishtha event.
Several central hospitals in Delhi, including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences had announced closure of services till 2.30pm for the Ram Mandir pran prathishtha event on January 22.
All four central government-run hospitals, including AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi on Saturday announced closure till 2.30pm on Monday, barring critical and emergency services which will be functional. “It is notified for information of all the employees that the institute will remain half day closed till 2.30pm on January 22. All Chiefs of Centres, Heads of the Departments, Units and Branch Officers are requested to bring this to the notice of all staff working under them. All critical clinical services shall remain functional," a circular read.
Besides, Delhi, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has also announced half-day leave, till 2.30pm tomorrow in view of the consecration ceremony. However, following severe criticism, AIIMS Delhi has decided not to shut down outpatient services. “The outpatient department shall remain open to attend patients with appointment in order to prevent any inconvenience to them and to facilitate patient care. All critical clinical care services shall remain operational,” a circular from AIIMS Delhi on Sunday read.
Earlier, criticising the decision, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted, “Hello humans, Please don’t go into a medical emergency on 22nd, and if you do schedule it for post 2pm since AIIMS Delhi is taking time off to welcome Maryada Purushottam Ram. PS: However, wonder if Lord Ram would agree that health services are disrupted to welcome him. Hey Ram, Hey Ram!”
Former Congress leader Kapil Sibal tweeted, “AIIMS: Shuts down OPD on January 22nd until 2.30 pm. In Ram Rajya this would never have happened !”