New Delhi, July. 21 (PTI): In a move that may cut short the tenure of AIIMS Director P Venugopal, who is at loggerheads with Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, the Government on Friday decided to amend the law governing the premier medical institute in the capital and PGIMER, Chandigarh, for their better functioning.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, which "solidly stood by the Health Minister", decided to bring an amendment to the 1956 AIIMS Act to bring about "better functioning" of the AIIMS and PGI Chandigarh, Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi said here.

An appropriate legislation would be introduced in the first week of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, he said. Observing that Ramadoss made a presentation at the meeting which was supported "unanimously" by the Cabinet, Dasmunsi said the aim of the amendment was to remove the "anarchy" in AIIMS and bring in improvements required in the overall administrative functioning of the prestigious institution.

"We stand by the Health Minister" as the medical services in the national capital cannot be seen in situation where the patients suffer. "So we shall have to bring this amendment," Dasmunsi said. The Minister declined to give details of the amendment. Media reports said the amendment could also propose that the Institute Director should have a tenure of five years and should retire at the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

If the proposal is adopted, Venugopal, whose dismissal was earlier stayed by the Delhi High Court, would have to relinquish office immediately as he turned 65 this month.