Director Set To Exit, AIIMS Bhopal Doctors May Follow Suit

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The director of AIIMS, Bhopal, Dr Ajai Singh, is set to step down on August 4, and that may be a trigger for many other doctors, already grappling with a shortage of resources and a failing infrastructure, to follow suit, say sources.

Many doctors have already written to the administration regarding the chaos prevalent in the institution. Sources say as many as 1,900 files are pending with the administration. The institution also faces an acute shortage of surgery consumables and other critical items.

Meanwhile, even as those quitting cite their reasons, the overall condition is not conducive, say sources, adding, “Doctors who are willing to leave are tight-lipped because they are skeptical of action from the administration.” 

Free Press spoke to some doctors to understand what ails AIIMS, Bhopal. 

Gynaecologist Dr Ajay Halder said, “I have resigned. I will join another hospital in Bhopal. Many doctors want to leave, but the picture will get clearer after the exit of director. The main problem is with the administration, which, instead of taking initiatives for improvement, is causing chaos.”

Oncologist Dr Ankit Jain said, “There are problems in AIIMS, especially in the oncology department, but we are trying to do what’s best for the patients. Despite the lack of a system, patients are being treated. Patients come to AIIMS at the tertiary care stage, so there will be a 90% fatality.”

Likewise, oncologist Dr Sachin Bansal, who has already left the institution, said, “The main reason that doctors leave AIIMS is because working conditions are not conducive. Once the director exits, other doctors will also leave, sooner or later. The picture will get clearer once Dr Singh leaves.”