Strike continues in AIIMS: Services crippled

New Delhi, July 6 (UNI) As four AIIMS medicos began a fast unto death in protest against Director P Venugopal's dismissal, the strike by doctors and medical students in the premier healthcare institute continued on the second day today, completely crippling the medical services.

The AIIMS Faculty Association, which went on a 24-hour flash strike yesterday, decided at its General Body meeting to continue the work boycott. The Association has named the agitation-- ''Save AIIMS''.

Opposing the controversial decision, residents and students of three medical colleges also boycotted work.

AIIMS Faculty Association Vice president Dr Vinod Khaitan, Resident Doctors' Association president Dr Binod Patra, Students Union member Anamaya Sharma and Young Scientists' Association president R Prabhu began indefinite hunger strike this morning.

All medical services at AIIMS, including emergency and casualty, remained paralysed due to the strike by the faculty, resident doctors and the medical students.

Patients were turned back or asked to go to other hospitals. They even clashed with the striking doctors opposing the lock out.

So far two patients have died in AIIMS allegedly due to lack of treatment since yesterday.

AIIMS spokesperson Dr Shakti Gupta said the emergency services are being suspended and OPD will run on a restricted basis due to the strike.

''In view of the flash strike, a meeting of Head of Departments was held to discuss maintaining hospital services....Patients already admitted in various wards and ICU are being given required medical attention,'' he added.

Senior Faculty Association member Dr B K Mohanty said a review meeting will be held again tomorrow evening.

They are demanding immediate reinstatement of Dr Venugopal, non interference in AIIMS functioning and an apology from Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss.

''The decision to continue the strike was unanimous till our demands are met and we will also keep holding the review meeting,'' he added.

Resident doctors, medical students and employees of the world renowned institute are on an indefinite strike.

As support for Dr Venugopal kept pouring in, resident doctors and students of three medical colleges-- Maulana Azad Medical college, University College of Medical Sciences and Lady Hardinge Medical College -- also boycotted work for 24-hours against the controversial decision.

MORE UNI NR PR DB2048