The suspension of Dr.Venugopal is not only outrageous but also sends wrong signals from the Ministry of Health. Institutes like AIIMS will remain 'autonomous' only on paper, never in principle, thanks to the interference by the government. With what moral right, then, can the government ask doctors to serve the community, do rural service, etc. when it cannot guarantee the post of the highest authority of the highest medical institution in this country? Sure, many will even dread to join government services henceforth under the constant fear that someday, they may be sacked as brutally as Dr.Venugopal, that too, for some flimsy reason. What future, then, can we expect of our medical institutions? Can we stop brain drain by sending these unhealthy signals? I think time has come for everyone in this country to stop abusing and ill-treating doctors. God forbid, a day might come when we'll not have any good guys left in this country to take care of the sick and the needy.
