New Delhi: The Faculty Association of AII India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has written to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, expressing concern over the proposal of renaming the institute, claiming that it will result in its identity being lost, reported news agency PTI.
The Faculty Association of AIIMS (FAIMS) recently sought response from its members on the government's proposal to rename all 23 AII India Institute of Medical Sciences across the country.
According to the letter written by the FAIMS to the minister on Thursday, all its members opposed the move.
"The name is linked to one's identity. When an institution's identity is lost, it loses institutional recognition both within and outside of the country. That is why famous and established institutes like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard universities have had the same names for centuries," the letter written to the minister read, as reported by PTI.
According to the FAIMS, if the proposal is accepted, the esteemed medical institute will suffer a significant loss of identity and demoralisation.
"Hence, FAIMS requests you to please do not consider any proposal for changing the name of AIIMS Delhi. This will help to maintain the premier and mentor institute status of AIIMS Delhi with respect to others in the country," the letter added.
The FAIMS also requested a meeting with the health minister to discuss long-pending issues such as autonomy, on-campus housing, and administration reform (headship rotation).
The health ministry has proposed naming all AIIMS, including the one in Delhi, after prominent local or regional heroes, freedom fighters, historical events or monuments in the area, or their distinct geographical identity.
The first AIIMS was established in the year 1956 under the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Act. Originally proposed by then-Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for establishment in Calcutta, it was relocated to New Delhi after the refusal by West Bengal Chief Minister Bidhan Chandra Roy.
(With inputs from PTI)