Date:31/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/31/stories/2007123156010400.htm

New Delhi

Doctors condemn AIIMS gag order

Staff Reporter

“Change in administration was only in form, not in content”

NEW DELHI: The Progressive Medicos and Scientists Forum (PMSF) has condemned the recent order taken out by the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences administration that bars the faculty, employees, resident doctors and scientists from interacting with media persons.

According to PMSF spokesperson Vikas Bajpai, the order only shows that whatever change had taken place in the AIIMS administration was only in form and not in content. “It may be recalled that Dr. Venugopal had issued similar order soon after taking over as the Director of AIIMS in June 2003,” he added. “While there is a need that the Institute’s fraternity maintains a decorum in deliberating upon the day-to-day departmental and administrative matters, the same ought not to be ensured by enforcing archival British era service rules and by gagging any dissension,” said Dr. Bajpai.

Right to express opinion

Stating that free democratic discourse was a fundamental feature of any academic institution, PMSF spokesperson said the forum will endeavour to keep up this tradition at AIIMS. “There are many issues relating to health care and Government policies that have far reaching implications regarding patient care at institute and academic matters on which not only do the members of AIIMS fraternity have a right to an opinion but also the right to express the same. This right is absolutely inviolable with respect to the various democratic bodies on the campus, may it be the students union, faculty association or the karamcharis’ union,” said Dr. Bajpai.