New Delhi: All four central government-run hospitals, including AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital, will remain closed till 2.30 pm on January 22 in Delhi in view of the consecration ceremony at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. However, the critical and emergency services will be fully operational.
A formal announcement from AIIMS, Delhi stated that the central government has designated January 22 as a half-day holiday till 2:30 pm.
“It is notified for information of all the employees that the institute will remain half day closed till 2.30 pm on January 22. All Chiefs of Centres, Heads of the Departments, Units and Branch Officers are requested to bring this to the notice of all staff working under them,” the notification read. "All critical clinical services shall remain functional," it said.
An AIIMS official told news agency PTI that all appointments are being rescheduled and critical clinical services will remain functional. "If any patients come, we will try to accommodate them. Evening OPDs will be functioning," the official further added.
As per a Safdarjung Hospital circular, OPD registration will be done on Monday from 8 to 10 a.m. “All registered patients should be attended to. Lab Services / Radiological Services will be available till 11:30 am. Pharmacy services will be running till noon," the notification said.
The circular also stated that all elective operation theatres will remain closed.
"Department of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance and Pensions on January 18 has declared a half-day closing (till 2.30 pm) on account of the Ram Lalla ‘Pran Pratishtha’ in Ayodhya for all Central Government Offices,” it said.
Another circular issued by the Lady Hardinge Hospital stated, "The Outpatient Department of the Hospitals shall function on Monday with patient registration from 8-10 am and all registered patients should be attended to." It also said that OPD, lab services and routine services will remain closed till 2.30 pm.
Notably, Ayodhya is gearing up for the grand inauguration of the Ram Temple and the consecration ceremony of the idol of Ram Lalla.