The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has decided to keep its Outpatient Department (OPD) services open on Monday, rescinding its earlier decision to shut down until 2:30 pm. The prior decision was taken in light of the consecration ceremony at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. According to the latest office memorandum from AIIMS, dated January 20, the decision to keep OPD services operational was made to avoid inconveniencing patients with appointments and to ensure continued patient care. The circular emphasised that all critical clinical care services would remain fully operational during this period.



An earlier official memorandum by AIIMS, Delhi, had initially declared a half-day holiday on January 22 due to the Ram temple consecration ceremony. However, it had clarified that critical and emergency services would continue to function as usual.


The consecration ceremony at the Ayodhya Ram Temple is scheduled for Monday, prompting the Union government to declare a half-day holiday until 2:30 pm.


Earlier, an AIIMS official, speaking to news agency PTI, assured that appointments were being rescheduled, and critical clinical services would not be disrupted. The official added, "If any patients come, we will try to accommodate them. Evening OPDs will be functioning."


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3 Central Government-Run Hospitals In Delhi To Remain Closed Until 2:30 PM


Notably, the other three central government-run hospitals in Delhi, including Safdarjung Hospital, will also remain closed until 2:30 pm on January 22. However, they stated that the critical and emergency services would be fully operational.


Safdarjung Hospital issued a circular outlining the schedule for OPD registration on Monday, from 8 to 10 a.m. The circular assured that all registered patients would be attended to, with lab services and radiological services available until 11:30 am. Pharmacy services would be operational until noon, but all elective operation theatres would remain closed.


The decision to observe a half-day holiday was not exclusive to healthcare institutions, as confirmed by the Department of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance and Pensions on January 18, PTI reported. The circular stated, "A half-day closing (till 2.30 pm) on account of the Ram Lalla ‘Pran Pratishtha’ in Ayodhya for all Central Government Offices."


Lady Hardinge Hospital also issued a circular, announcing that the Outpatient Department would function on Monday, with patient registration from 8-10 am. However, OPD, lab services, and routine services would remain closed until 2.30 pm.


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