New Delhi: The Delhi-based All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) withdrew the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued to streamline treatment facilities for MPs, a day after a section of doctors criticized it. In a recent letter to YM Kandpal, Joint Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat, AIIMS Director M Srinivas, the SOP issued for 'Out Patient Department' (OPD), emergency consultation and hospitalization of sitting MPs of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. information was given.

Let us inform that Srinivas had said in his letter that the duty officers of the hospital administration department would be available round the clock in the control room of AIIMS to coordinate and facilitate the arrangements. The move was sharply criticized by several medical associations and described it as a 'VIP culture' in the premier health institution. On Friday, the hospital administration withdrew the letter.

In a fresh letter signed by Chief Administrative Officer Devnath Sah, it has been written that the 'letter of October 17' on medical arrangements for MPs in AIIMS can be treated as withdrawn with immediate effect. Soon after, the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) tweeted that the special privilege was withdrawn. Proud to all who supported. It said in another tweet that the voice of reason, reason and determination can make a big difference. We thank everyone for their support and standing against the VIP culture in healthcare. It is a shared success.

Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) said that we always stand against VIP culture. We will never compromise on our stand. The director had to withdraw the letter regarding special treatment for MPs. FORDA had on Thursday questioned the SOP and said that special privileges to MPs may come at the cost of common patients.