Allegations include inflated medicine prices, lack of infrastructure, and poor departmental functioning
Bhopal:
In a concerning development, six senior doctors from four key departments at AIIMS Bhopal have resigned over the past year, reportedly due to the lack of administrative reforms and poor working conditions at the premier healthcare institution.
The resignations came from the departments of oncology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, and neonatology. The doctors who stepped down include:
- Dr. Sachin Bansal (Clinical Haematology)
- Dr. Shashank Bansal (Medical Oncology)
- Dr. Nilesh Srivastava (Surgical Oncology)
- Dr. Manoj Nagar (Orthopaedics)
- Dr. Priya Gogoi (Paediatrics)
- Dr. Mahendra Jain (Neonatology)
Among them, three were from the oncology department, which doctors say is in a particularly critical state.
Doctors Cite Broken Systems and Ignored Appeals
According to the resigned doctors, repeated appeals to improve departmental conditions went unheard. Key complaints include the lack of a blood separator machine for over two years, inflated prices of essential medicines, and administrative indifference toward the development of tertiary healthcare services.
“The condition is worst in the oncology department,” said Dr. Sachin Bansal, a founding member of the Department of Medical Oncology/Haematology. “Despite multiple requests, there has been no improvement. Patients are suffering due to inflated drug prices and insufficient infrastructure.”
Dr. Bansal also alleged that the administration failed to act even after multiple red flags were raised regarding the cost of cancer medications and lack of basic facilities for patient care.
Central Health Ministry Investigates Pricing Irregularities
The resignations follow growing scrutiny from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). Last month, a central team visited AIIMS Bhopal to investigate allegations that cancer drugs like Gemcitabine were purchased at exorbitant prices.
According to Bhopal MP Alok Sharma, the Gemcitabine injection was being procured at ₹2,100 per piece at AIIMS Bhopal — far higher than ₹425 at AIIMS Raipur and ₹285 at AIIMS Delhi. Similar discrepancies were reportedly found in the prices of other medicines.
The inspection team reviewed procurement documents amid rising concerns of financial mismanagement.
Faculty Warn Exodus Could Weaken Institution
Several former faculty members have warned that the departure of experienced doctors could harm the institution’s reputation and compromise patient care.
“AIIMS should strive to retain top experts. If things don’t change, more doctors may leave,” said Dr. Nilesh Srivastava, one of the outgoing oncologists.
Administration Responds
In response to the resignations, AIIMS Bhopal Director Dr. Ajai Singh acknowledged the departures but downplayed them, stating:
“It’s not unique to Bhopal. Even in Delhi, people are leaving. Corporate culture is expanding into Bhopal and that’s their choice.”
He added that developing tertiary care in oncology and paediatrics is a priority, and the administration is working toward that goal.
