AIIMS Delhi Reverses Holiday Decision After Protests; Issues Clarification

“AIIMS, New Delhi clarifies that all clinical services will remain open on 22nd January 2024 to provide seamless and uninterrupted,” said a clarification from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), after the outcry over its earlier decision of half day holiday of its services on January 22. The earlier announcement regarding the holiday was made keeping in view of the half day holiday circular issued by central government on the occasion of Ram Temple consecration ceremony on January 22.

Many, including Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) yesterday attacking the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and the AIIMS for the recently issued circular by the premier medical institute declaring its closure. Noting the situation of the sick patients waiting outside the hospital, netizens have said that the poor and dying can only wait because the priority is given to PM Modi’s desperation for cameras and public relations.

“In continuation of this Office Memorandum of even number dated 20.01.2024 on the subject cited above, all Clinical Services including the Outpatient Services (OPD) shall remain open to prevent any inconvenience to patients and to facilitate patient care services. All Chief of Centres, Heads of the Department, Units and Branch Officers are requested to bring this to the notice of all staff working under them,” said the latest circular from AIIMS Delhi.