After criticism, Delhi’s AIIMS reverses decision to shut OPD services till 2:30 pm for Ram temple opening

The decision came after the decision sparked a public outcry, NDTV reported.

On Saturday, Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) had announced a half day on January 22 on the occasion of the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

However, the emergency and all critical services had not been shut for the period.

Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi had hit out at the move with a sarcastic post on X. "Hello humans, Please don't go into a medical emergency on 22nd, and if you do schedule it for post 2pm since AIIMS Delhi is taking time off to welcome Maryada Purushottam Ram," she had posted. "PS: However, wonder if Lord Ram would agree that health services are disrupted to welcome him. Hey Ram, Hey Ram!," she added.

Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale, too, criticised the move yesterday. "India's largest Government Hospital AIIMS Delhi will remain closed till 2:30 pm on Monday. There are literally people sleeping outside in the cold at AIIMS gates waiting for an appointment. The poor and dying can wait because priority is given to Modi's desperation for cameras and PR," Mr Gokhale posted on X.

“It is notified for the information of all employees that the institute will remain half-closed until 14:30 hours on January 22,” it added.

All chiefs of Centres, Heads of Departments, Units and Branch Officers are requested to bring this to the attention of all staff working under them, it said.