Flash strike in AIIMS; Emergency, other services paralysed

New Delhi, July 5 (UNI) Within minutes of AIIMS Director P Venugopal's dismissal, all services, including the emergency, in the premier institute came to a grinding halt as doctors and medical students went on a flash strike in protest against the decision.

''This decision is proof of the autocratic style of functioning of the Health Ministry over the autonomy of AIIMS... We oppose it and are on strike now,'' AIIMS Resident Doctors' Association President Binod Patra told UNI.

He said the strike will continue till Dr Venugopal is reinstated.

Dr Venugopal was dismissed by the institute's Governing Body, headed by Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, for violating the code of conduct of the premier institute.

The striking doctors and students said they will fight against the autocratic move and will not accept any other person in Dr Venugopal's place.

''We will not let any other person function in place of Dr Venugopal... this decision is not acceptable to us,'' he added.

Urging the Prime Minister to intervene, Dr Patra said the striking doctors and students have full faith in Dr Manmohan Singh to resolve the issue.

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