Hunger strike called off in AIIMS

New Delhi, July 7: Four AIIMS medicos, who were on an indefinite hunger strike since yesterday opposing Director Dr P Venugopal's dismissal, broke their fast today following the High Court's stay on the controversial decision.

However, the decision regarding the strike by doctors and medical students will be taken tonight at the general body meeting (GBM) of the members of the AIIMS Faculty Association, Residents doctors and medical students of the premier institute who were boycotting work since Wednesday.

''We welcome the court order. The general strike is continuing as of now. After examining the court order, if the GBM decides all is well then we will call of the strike,'' AIIMS Faculty Association General Secretary Dr K K Handa said.

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 the hunger strike yesterday morning.

AIIMS RDA member Dr Kumar Harsh said the striking doctors will take the decision by tonight.

''We welcome the decision but don't want to take any hasty decision,'' he added.

The striking doctors and students were demanding immediate reinstatement of Dr Venugopal and resignation of Dr Ramadoss.

Dr Venugopal was dismissed on Wednesday by the Institute Governing Body, headed by Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, for violating the code of conduct of the premier institute.

The court today stayed the dismissal of Dr Venugopal and the next hearing in the case will be held on August 17.

Services in the hospital, including emergency and casualty, were completely crippled. Patients bore the brunt of the strike and were either asked to return or go to alternative institutes.

Two patients -- Sarvesh Kumar and Ramjeet -- had allegedly died due to lack of treatment since Wednesday.

UNI

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