AIIMS chief leaves again

Ramadoss denies interference.

NEW DELHI: After plunging AIIMS into crisis by threatening to quit over some administrative decision by the Health Ministry, Dr Venugopal, Director of AIIMS, proceeded on leave again. However, before going on leave, he appointed TD Dogra, head of Cardiology, as acting director instead of ministry-appointed dean R C Deka. Usually in the absence of director it is the dean who takes charge of director.

The resident doctors and students continued with the signature campaign demanding the resignations of health minister Anubumani Ramadoss and dean Deka.

Meanwhile, Ramadoss stood firm and asserted that he is the president of AIIMS and said, “I’m not interfering in the daily affairs of AIIMS. The administration has not been proper for the past two years. I took some steps to set it right.” Incidentally, Venugopal had cut short his vacation after the ministry made some administrative changes in his absence. Venugopal said that he will resign if “the dignity and autonomy” of the institute is not maintained. The replacement of the three doctors close to Venugopal is being seen as the ministry’s way of getting back at the director.