AIIMS Reverses Decision on Half-Day for Ram Temple Event After Huge Backlash

Digital Desk: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has reversed its decision to close non-critical services till 2.30 pm tomorrow in anticipation of the major consecration event at Ayodhya Ram Temple, amid a massive outcry.

This occurs one day after the top medical facility declared a half-day off for employees working on non-essential services. It was believed that outside patients would not be able to consult specialists during the break, even though the official note did not clearly state if Outpatient Department (OPD) services would be available.

The notification yesterday by AIIMS-Delhi's administrative officer, Rajesh Kumar, mentioned the national government's decision to grant government employees a half-day tomorrow. "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," the document stated. But it also stated that "all critical clinical services" would continue to operate.

The announcement caused a major uproar, with many pointing out that patients must wait weeks or even months to be seen at the top medical facility. They would be greatly inconvenienced if OPD services were abruptly discontinued, especially those who had traveled from outside Delhi in the hopes of receiving quality, reasonably priced treatment at the government-run institution.

The OPD "shall remain open to attend to patients with appointment in order to prevent any inconvenience to them and to facilitate patient care," according to a new notification released by AIIMS-Delhi this morning.

OPD registration will take place between 8 and 10 am, and all registered patients will be attended to, according to Safdarjung Hospital, another important medical facility in the nation's capital. Pharmacy services will be available at the hospital until noon, but optional procedures will not be performed.