After Massive Backlash, AIIMS Withdraws SOPs on Medical Care Arrangements for Parliament Members

New Delhi: After receiving massive backlash for promoting VIP culture, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi has now decided withdraw the recent letter laying down standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding special "medical care arrangements" for the sitting members of the Parliament.

Writing to the Joint Secretary of the Lok Sabha Secretariat in this regard, the Chief Administrative Officer of the Premiere Medical Institute mentioned, "Letter dated 17th Oct, 2022 on the subject cited above may be treated as withdrawn with immediate effect."

In the concerned letter issued by AIIMS Chief, Dr. M Srinivas, had referred to the special arrangements for the sitting members of the Parliament seeking treatment at AIIMS. The letter listed down the Standard Operating Procedure (SoPs) that will be followed in order to further streamline the system for OPD/ Emergency consultation and inpatient hospitalisation of Hon'ble Sitting M.P.'s of Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the move had drawn sharp criticism from a section of doctors and the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) had especially slammed the Delhi based institute for setting such examples.

While some doctors urged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take cognizance of the matter, few of them had urged the PM to take action against the AIIMS Chief.

After facing massive backlash and severe criticism, now AIIMS has withdrawn the letter.

Speaking to Medical Dialogues in this regard, the President of FAIMA Doctors Association, Dr. Rohan Krishnan said, "It is a very welcoming move by AIIMS director's office. Obviously this letter was very much disheartening for all the doctors because AIIMS is a premiere institute of the country and whatever trend it sets, gets followed by various colleges in the country. I think that this letter was not required at the first place. Sources have already told me that even the director AIIMS was not really satisfied with the letter."

"However the water is under the bridge now and since the letter has been taken back I think that we should all now focus on improving the healthcare system of the country in general. Obviously for FAIMA Doctors Association, we have had zero tolerance against VIP culture and we will be fighting any move that may promote VIP culture," he further mentioned.

"Patients should always be treated based on the severity of the illness," added Dr. Krishnan.

Also Read: VIP Culture? AIIMS issues SOP promising special medical services to Parliament members, Doctor oppose move