BJP concerned about erosion of autonomy in AIIMS

New Delhi, June 16: The BJP today voiced concern over allegation made by the Director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) of erosion of autonomy of the Institute.

''It was necessary that the nature of the premier institution, involved in health and medical education in the country, be protected,'' BJP spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

Noting that the AIIMS Director P Venugopal had proceeded on leave protesting against interference and humiliations heaped upon him by Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss during the last two years, he said that Dr Venugopal was a world renowned cardiac surgeon and if he says he feels let down and humiliated, it is a serious charge.'' ''The way the UPA ministers functioned, whether it was Dr Ramadoss, Dr Arjun Singh or Mrs Meira Kumar, it seemed they were running their ministries like a 'chiefain' with a licence to deal with their ministries as they wanted,'' he said.

He said it was time for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to get into action and dispel the impression that he occupied the in Prime Minister's seat but none of his power.

''The Ministers come and go but the prestige of an institution like AIIMS should not be lost,'' Mr Prasad said.

UNI

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