The AIIMS on Friday announced that only emergency life-saving surgeries be taken up in various operation theatres from March 21 in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
"The services of AIIMS, New Delhi needs to be curtailed in response to the heightened need for diversion of infrastructure, manpower and material resources for prevention and control of COVID-19 outbreak," according to a circular issues by the AIIMS.
As per the circular, the AIIMS director held a meeting to discuss measures for the impending COVID-19 pandemic, following which the decision was taken.
Amid rising cases of coronavirus in the national capital, the AIIMS administration is also urging OPD patients to postpone their appointments at the hospital if it is not urgent.
"It was decided that an advisory would be sent to OPD patients on their registered phone numbers through SMS to the following effect.
"In view of the increasing threat of corona infection, you are requested to postpone your appointments at AIIMS if it is not urgent in nature. This is for your safety and good health," the order said.
The messages are being sent to all appointments booked for the next one month.
Also, an office order issued by the Safdarjung Hospital administration said, "In view of the coronavirus outbreak in the country it has been decided to cancel all elective surgeries in the hospital with immediate effect and until further orders."
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