The AIIMS administration on Friday withdrew a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) it had issued for the medical treatment of MPs. The move was criticized by some of the doctors.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Oct 22, 2022 00:30 IST
AIIMS Delhi had issued a series of SOPs regarding medical care schemes for sitting MPs (Photo: File)
By Ram Kinkar Singh: After several doctors’ associations opposed the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi for the treatment of MPs, the main health institute withdrew the SOPs on Friday. The SOPs included the provision of a focal point officer to coordinate and facilitate the treatment of MPs, which has been termed ‘VIP culture’.
“October 17 letter regarding ‘medical arrangements for sitting MPs in AIIMS’ may be deemed withdrawn with immediate effect,” wrote the latest letter, signed by Chief Administrative Officer Deo Nath Sah.
Shortly afterwards, the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) tweeted: “So, Special Privilege is revoked. Proud of everyone who has supported us.” Another tweet read: “A voice of reason, rationality and determination can make a big difference. We thank everyone for their support and take action against the VIP culture in healthcare. It is a shared success!” The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) said: “We are always against the #VIP culture! We will never compromise with our booth! … Director had to withdraw letter special treatment for #MPs (sic)!”
On Monday, Delhi AIIMS director Dr. Srinivas sent a letter to YM Kandpal, Joint Secretary at Lok Sabha, listing the SOPs for Outpatient (OPD), Emergency Consultation and Hospitalization of members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
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A duty officer, a qualified medical professional, will be available 24 hours a day in the control room to coordinate medical care arrangements for sitting MPs, the letter said. The letter further stated that if the MP needs OPD consultation, their staff would speak to the officer on duty who will then speak with the doctor and set the appointment.
The move came in for sharp criticism from several doctors’ associations calling the “VIP culture” at the leading health institution.
The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) had also tweeted and shared a letter to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, calling on him to take note of the matter.
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