Law governing AIIMS, PGIMER to be amended

New Delhi, July 20 (UNI) The Government today decided to amend the law governing All India Institute of Medical Sciences and PGIMER, Chandigarh, a move that may see a new AIIMS director in place of P Venugopal who has been at loggerheads with Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss.

The decision to amend the 1956 AIIMS Act for better functioning of the capital's premier insititute and PGI, Chandigarh was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, which ''solidly stood by the Health Minister'', Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said.

An appropriate legislation would be introduced in the first week of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, he said.

Mr Dasmunsi said the aim of the amendment was to remove ''anarchy'' in AIIMS and bring in improvements required in the overall administrative functioning of the prestigious institution.

Pointing out that a presentation made by the Health Minister at the meeting was supported ''unanimously'' by the Cabinet, Mr Dasmunsi said: ''We stand by Dr Ramadoss as the medical services in the national capital cannot be seen in a situation where the patients suffer, with one hundred going in one direction and the other hundred in another direction.'' Though Dr Dasmunsi refused to divulge the details of the amendment, there are reports that the amendment could propose that the Institute Director should have a tenure of five years and should retire at the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

If the proposal is adopted, Dr Venugopal, whose dismissal was earlier stayed by Delhi High Court, would have to step down immediately as he turned 65 this month.

Dr Venugopal and Dr Ramadoss have been at loggerheads over the functioning of AIIMS. Dr Ramadoss had alleged that AIIMS had become a political hub, while Dr Venugopal had accused the Government of trying to take away the autonomy of the premier institute.

Dr Ramadoss had earlier set up a three-member committee after a demand was made for a thorough inquiry into the functioning of AIIMS by the medical fraternity, several faculty members and students bodies.

The Committee was headed by M S Valiathan, Founder Director of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology.

UNI