AIIMS Alters Course: Revises Decision to Remain Closed Until 2:30 PM for Ram Temple Event
The decision by AIIMS to declare a half-day break for the Ayodhya event has faced strong criticism from opposition leaders. The move has been widely denounced, with critics expressing concerns about the institution’s priorities and the impact on patient care. The controversy surrounding the announcement adds another layer to the ongoing debate over the intersection of public institutions and religious events.
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New Delhi: In a significant turn of events, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has decided to rescind its earlier announcement of closing non-critical services until 2:30 pm on the day of the grand consecration event at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. This reversal follows a day after the premier healthcare facility stirred controversy by declaring a half-day break for staff in non-critical services. The initial decision raised concerns, particularly regarding the potential impact on patient care, with uncertainties surrounding the availability of Out Patient Department (OPD) services during the scheduled break. AIIMS’ decision to revise its stance comes amid widespread criticism and discussions about the balance between institutional operations and the significance of national events.
The reversal of AIIMS’ decision to close non-critical services until 2:30 pm on the day of the Ayodhya Ram Temple consecration follows a day after the initial announcement of a half-day break for staff in non-critical services. The official communication did not provide clarity on the availability of Out Patient Department (OPD) services, prompting concerns that outdoor patients might face challenges in consulting specialists during the scheduled break. The controversy surrounding this decision has sparked discussions on the potential impact on patient care and the need for balancing institutional operations with national events of significance.
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In a memorandum issued by Rajesh Kumar, the administrative officer of AIIMS-Delhi, the decision to close non-critical services until 2:30 pm on January 22, 2024, was linked to the central government’s announcement of a half-day for government employees. The memorandum specified, ‘It is notified for information of all the employees that the Institute will remain half-day closed till 14:30 hrs on 22.01.2024.’ However, it also assured that ‘all critical clinical services’ would continue to operate during this period. The linkage to the government’s directive and the subsequent clarification on critical services aimed to provide context to the decision.
The announcement from AIIMS-Delhi regarding the half-day break for non-critical services on the day of the Ayodhya Ram Temple consecration sparked a substantial outcry. Criticism centered around the potential inconvenience caused to patients who often wait for weeks, and in some cases, months, to secure appointments at the premier healthcare facility. The fears were particularly directed towards the potential disruption of Out Patient Department (OPD) services, which play a crucial role in providing consultations to patients. This abrupt closure would have been especially burdensome for those who had traveled from outside Delhi, seeking quality and affordable healthcare at the state-run institution.
In response to the widespread concerns and criticisms, AIIMS-Delhi took corrective action this morning by issuing a fresh notification. The updated communication explicitly stated that the Out Patient Department (OPD) ‘shall remain open to attend to patients with appointments in order to prevent any inconvenience to them and to facilitate patient care.’ This clarification sought to address apprehensions about potential disruptions to patient services, assuring those with scheduled appointments that they would not face inconvenience during the Ayodhya Ram Temple consecration event. The swift update reflects the institution’s responsiveness to public sentiment and its commitment to prioritizing patient care amid national events.
As AIIMS-Delhi navigates the controversy surrounding its initial decision, another prominent healthcare institution in the national capital, Safdarjung Hospital, has outlined its operational plan. The hospital announced that Out Patient Department (OPD) registration will occur between 8 am and 10 am, ensuring that all registered patients will receive attention. Pharmacy services will be available until noon; however, elective surgeries are expected to be temporarily suspended. This proactive communication from Safdarjung Hospital aims to provide clarity to patients about the continuity of essential healthcare services during the scheduled period, highlighting the commitment to minimizing disruptions in patient care.
In response to AIIMS-Delhi’s initial decision to observe a half-day break for the Ayodhya event, opposition leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi, voiced strong criticism. Chaturvedi took to social media with a sarcastic post, urging people to avoid medical emergencies on January 22nd and humorously suggesting that they schedule emergencies for post-2pm since AIIMS Delhi was taking time off to welcome Maryada Purushottam Ram. The opposition’s disapproval added to the public discourse surrounding the balancing act between institutional functions and commemorating significant national events.
In a continuation of her critique, Priyanka Chaturvedi added a pointed note questioning whether Lord Ram would agree with the disruption of health services to welcome him. The concluding remark, ‘Hey Ram, Hey Ram!’ encapsulated a blend of irony and concern, emphasizing the potential clash between the symbolic gesture of welcoming Lord Ram and the essential healthcare services provided by institutions like AIIMS-Delhi. Chaturvedi’s commentary contributed to the broader discussion on the appropriateness of such breaks during crucial times for public services and institutions.
Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale joined the chorus of criticism, expressing disapproval of AIIMS Delhi’s decision to remain closed until 2:30 pm on Monday. Gokhale highlighted the plight of individuals who endure challenging conditions, even sleeping outside in the cold at AIIMS gates, waiting for crucial medical appointments. The pointed remark underscored the perceived prioritization of ceremonial events over the urgent healthcare needs of the poor and critically ill. Gokhale’s post on social media echoed the sentiment that institutional decisions should prioritize the well-being of patients, especially those relying on essential services provided by India’s largest government hospital.
In a move reflecting the cultural and national significance of the upcoming pran pratishta ceremony in Ayodhya, the central government has declared a half-day leave for its employees tomorrow. This decision allows government workers to witness the live telecast of the momentous event, highlighting the importance of accommodating the public’s interest in participating or observing the historic ceremony. The announcement comes amidst the ongoing preparations for the pran pratishta, as the nation eagerly awaits the symbolic consecration in Ayodhya. Furthermore, several states have followed suit, declaring similar leave arrangements for government offices and educational institutions, contributing to the widespread acknowledgment of the ceremony’s significance.
In alignment with the central government’s decision to grant a half-day leave for its employees tomorrow in view of the pran pratishta ceremony in Ayodhya, several states have joined in by announcing similar leave arrangements. Both half and full-day leaves have been declared for government offices and educational institutions across these states. This widespread decision emphasizes the collective recognition of the cultural and national significance of the Ayodhya event, allowing individuals in various administrative sectors and educational institutions to participate or witness the ceremony. The coordinated leave announcements reflect the broader resonance of the pran pratishta ceremony across different regions of the country.
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