The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, has reversed its decision to close non-critical services till 2.30 pm for the consecration ceremony of Ram mandir in Ayodhya after massive protests.
Delhi, 21 January 2024: Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi termed the decision as “ironic”. He wrote on Twitter, “Hello humans, please do not go for any medical emergency on 22nd, and if you schedule for it after 2 pm, AIIMS Delhi is taking time out to welcome Maryada Purushottam Ram.”
He added, “PS: However, wonder if Lord Ram would agree that health services are disrupted to welcome him. Hey Ram, Hey Ram!”
Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale also criticized the decision. He wrote on Twitter, “India’s largest government hospital AIIMS Delhi will remain closed till 2:30 pm on Monday. People are sleeping outside in the cold at the gate of AIIMS, waiting for appointments. Poor and dying people are waiting. Because Modi’s desperation has been given priority for the cameras.”
He said, “This is a clear example of discrimination between religion and politics. AIIMS is a public institution and its objective is to provide healthcare to all people. Such a decision tarnishes the image of the institute.”
The central government has announced a half-day holiday for government employees tomorrow so that they can watch the live telecast of the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. This ceremony will be watched by millions of people across the country.
Oppose:
AIIMS employees and patients had opposed this decision. Employees said that this decision promotes discrimination between religion and politics. Patients said this would cause serious inconvenience to them, especially those who had come from outside Delhi in the hope of getting good, affordable health care at a government facility.
Opposition leaders also strongly criticized this decision. Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi had made a sarcastic post on this decision. Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale also criticized this decision.
Withdrawal of decision:
AIIMS officials withdrew the decision given the protests. AIIMS said that this decision hurts the sentiments of students and employees. AIIMS said that it is equal towards all religions and will not give any special holiday for any religious function.
