AIIMS and PGIMER Faculty to March in Support of Governance Reforms

Faculty members from two of India's leading healthcare institutions, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), are set to march peacefully to the Parliament on 1 August 2023. This action seeks to draw national attention to their request for the implementation of a pivotal governance reform known as the rotatory headship policy.

This policy, mandated by the Union Health Ministry in July 2023, aims to enhance fairness and transparency in leadership roles within these institutions. It is already employed in other esteemed institutions, such as Harvard University and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The faculty members argue that its adoption is crucial for decentralising power and providing equal opportunities for all eligible staff.

Despite over three months of peaceful protests—including display of black badges in May, relay hunger strikes from June, and commemorative actions on Doctors' Day—no substantial response has been received from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In a collective statement, the Faculty Association of AIIMS, Delhi (FAIMS), and the Faculty Association of PGIMER, Chandigarh (FA-PGIMER) expressed their frustrations, noting, "Despite these clear directives, two academic cycles have passed with no action, undermining faculty morale, governance and the credibility of our premier national institutes."

The decision to march follows sustained advocacy efforts that included wearing black clothing as a form of silent protest. The faculty members believe that their actions will highlight the urgency of their demands, particularly during the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament.

"The aim is not to disrupt, but to bring national attention to a governance reform that affects thousands of doctors, faculty and future medical leaders," stated one member of the faculty association. The faculty groups emphasised their intention to comply with all necessary regulations and security protocols while seeking permission from local authorities for the march.

Furthermore, an external committee led by Dr V.K. Paul, a member of the NITI Aayog, previously endorsed the implementation of the rotatory headship system in AIIMS and PGIMER. As outlined in an order from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare dated 18 July 2023, the timeline for executing this policy has been set for June to July 2024.

The faculty associations assert that their cause extends beyond personal interests; they aim to bolster institutional democracy, uphold academic integrity, and promote excellence in patient care and medical education across the country. The upcoming march is seen as a pivotal moment to galvanise public support for the necessary reforms and encourage the Ministry to take immediate action. By showcasing their unity and commitment, the faculty members hope to inspire changes that will benefit the wider healthcare landscape in India.