Question : AIIMS DOCTORS ON LONG LEAVE

(a) whether more than 50 per cent doctors in AIIMS cannot go on leave from May 15 to July 15, 2004 as reported in the `Hindustan Dainik` dated June 12, 2004;

(b) if so, the facts of the matter reported therein;

(c) the criteria for sanctioning leave;

(d) whether sanctioning long leave is permissible under rule;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) if not, the reasons therefor;

(g) the action taken/proposed to be taken against doctors violating the rule;

(h) whether sufficient doctors are available to attend to the patients during the said period of leave; and

(i) if not, the remedial measures taken in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)

(a) to (i): The All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, is an autonomous body, established under an Act of Parliament. The service under the institute is governed by the Act and the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder. The teaching staff/faculty members are granted summer and winter vacations in two halts i.e. from 16th May to 14th June and 16th June to 15th July (summer vacation) and from 14th December to 22nd December and 23rd December to 31st December (winter vacation) each year with the approval of Director AIIMS. The faculty members who are granted vacation in first half, have to report on duty in the second half and vice-versa. Hence, the availability of 50% staff is being ensured in each half of the vacation so that patient care services do not suffer. In exceptional cases, faculty members are granted both halves of vacation with the approval of Director AIIMS. However, the availability of 50% faculty members in each half is ensured. No violation of rules with regard to vacation has been reported so far. Sufficient number of doctors are available in the institute to attend to patients during the period of vacations.