Circular to docs on VIPs raises eyebrows, RML clarifies

A circular by Ram Manohar Lohia hospital authorities warning doctors of action if they handle VIP patients in a "casual way" has kicked up a row following which the hospital today said it was only meant to sensitise the staff.
According to sources, the Union Health Ministry has asked the hospital authorities to clarify the matter.
The circular dated May 18, signed by medical superintendent of RML, said, "It has been observed that VIP reference has not been attended properly and handled in a very casual way by the doctors on duty at trauma centre and other emergency area.
"This type of attitude of doctors are being viewed very seriously and they are instructed that they should be cordial with patients on top priority."

"If such incidences are reported to the under signed again, then necessary action will be taken," it added.
However, V K Sinha, Deputy Labour Welfare Commissioner and Public Relation Officer at RML, today said the circular was "just to make aware and to sensitise the Resident Doctors regarding management of VIP references".

"There is nothing mentioned in this circular that the general patient should not be given priority," he said in a note.
He clarified that there is a separate Nursing Home in the hospital where VIPs undergo treatment and a separate VIP Clinic.
"Any service of super-specialist in Nursing Home is required; consultant is called in the VIP Nursing Home not a Resident Doctor," said the note.