Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Ego clash?

Political power when extended to the governance of autonomous institutions tends to sap their energy and destroy them. The tussle between the Union Health Minister and the Director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences seems to be the result of an ego clash. Politicians should bear in mind that institutions such as AIIMS have achieved their pre-eminence over a period of time through the hard and sustained efforts of committed professionals. Political interference in autonomous institutions and public sector companies is common. The AIIMS Director has shown the courage to stand up to the Minister.

K.X.M. John,
Ernakulam, Kerala

It has become a practice for politicians to interfere in the administration of autonomous institutions. Minister Anbumani Ramadoss' statement that the Director is free to resign is immature. Getting funds allocated and completing pending projects are part of his duty as Health Minister.

B.R. Haran,
Chennai

Eminent institutions have built their reputation because of non-interference over the years. AIIMS is doing yeoman service. Hasty decisions should not be taken with regard to its administration. In spite of monetary attraction, many continue to serve in such institutions as a labour of love. Their dedication should not be tested.

S. Raghavan,
Tiruchi, T.N.

The Government is right in cutting the salary of the doctors for the days they absented themselves from work leaving patients in the lurch. This cannot be construed as penalising the agitators. The doctors' demand that Dr. Ramadoss be removed as president of AIIMS is, to say the least, bizarre. Where on earth have the employees the right to choose their boss?

K. Vijayakumar,
Bangalore

Doctors seem to be angry with Dr. Ramadoss for denying them the pay for the days they were on strike. Someone should tell these meritorious doctors that no work means no pay. While abdicating their duty they told us `sacrifices' were needed for a `bigger cause.' While poor patients made the sacrifices then, the least we expect the doctors to do now is to sacrifice 17 days' pay.

Pranav Sachdeva,
New Delhi

The crisis seems set to create another spell of suffering for the poor and middle class patients. Those who have gained proficiency utilising the facilities provided by the Government ought to be reminded of their professional ethics and commitments. It is only fair that the doctors do not receive salary for the striking period.

M. Muthukrishnan,
Bangalore

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