Backtracking from its earlier announcement, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi said on Sunday that the Outpatient Department (OPD) would remain open for patients with appointments on January 22.
The top central government-run hospital had initially declared a half-day closure until 2:30 pm on January 22 due to the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple, with an exception for critical and emergency services.
A notice circulated among employees stated, “It is notified for information of all the employees that the institute will remain half day closed till 2.30 pm 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.”
This sparked criticism on social media from opposition leaders, journalists, and others. “Hospitals closed. Please schedule your health accordingly, one user wrote on X.
The renewed notice read, “In continuation with Circular no. NO.F.13-1 /2006-Genl dated 20.01.24 of this office regarding the subject cited above, the outpatient department shall remain open to attend to patients with appointment in order to prevent any inconvenience to them and to facilitate patient care. All critical clinical care services shall remain operational. 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."
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Backlash from opposition
1. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi
"Hello, humans. Please don't go into a medical emergency on 22nd, and if you do schedule it for post 2 pm 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!"
2. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saket Gokhale
"India's largest Government Hospital AIIMS Delhi will remain closed till 2:30 pm on Monday. There are literally people sleeping outside in the cold at AIIMS gates waiting for an appointment. The poor and dying can wait because priority is given to Modi's desperation for cameras and PR.”
3. Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed
"India's largest Government Hospital AIIMS Delhi has been made to shut down till 2:30 pm on Monday. It is beyond belief that the lives of patients are being put in danger, just because @narendramodi wants uninterrupted coverage of his political event. Does this man's megalomania have any limit!"
