Click to play videoNew Delhi: The director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr P Venugopal, was dismissed by the Government on Wednesday on charges of violating the code of conduct.
As the news of the dismissal spread, doctors at the premier medical institute went on a flash strike and shut down all services seeking Venugopal’s reinstatement.
While doctors voiced their resentment, patients bore the brunt.
A 35-year-old heart patient died after he was refused admission.
The agitation is showing no signs of letting up.
Doctors of Maulana Azad Medical College and University College of Medical Sciences have also announced a day-long flash strike on Thursday. However, the MAMC faculty has decided not to join in the stir.
However, they have made clear that emergency services will not be affected.
Patient doctor
Years ago, Dr Venugopal became the first doctor in India to conduct a heart transplant.
The patients who benefited from it still sing his praises.
Devi Ram is one of them. His heart muscles were constricted and his blood pressure would never be more than 70.
But that was till Dr Venugopal came to his rescue and Devi Ram became the first patient in India to undergo heart transplant.
"I went from one hospital to the other with no hope till I came to AIIMS. Dr Venugopal told me it was a tough case yet he helped me survive,” Devi Ram says.
The same technology later came to Preeti Uthale's rescue. Her heart had started malfunctioning after a viral infection.
After she underwent a heart transplant conducted by Dr Venugopal, she got a fresh lease of life.
She has now registered herself in an organ bank to support heart patients in any way she can.
"He gave me my life. Without him, I would not have been standing here speaking to you. May be I wouldn’t even have survived,” she says.
Not just patients, Dr P Venugopal is also getting support from one section of his colleagues.
The decision to dismiss him was also opposed by the Vice Chancellor of Delhi University Deepak Paintal, the Director of Central Drug Research Institute S S Agarwal, Lucknow and BJP MP V K Malhotra.
(With inputs from Arunima)
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)
More on IBNLive Right Now
MOST SHARED
PHOTOGALLERY
