Reconsider suspensions,HC tells institute

“We are happy with this order but the management has started harassing us,so that we withdraw a second case that has questioned the decreased in community work by the institute,” Rajiv Kumar,suspended assistant manager,outreach programme,said.

Employees maintain the institute,known for its charity work,has over the years reduced its free services while it continues to get local and international funding. Thirty-four employees of the institute were fired due to differences with the top management last month.

Three senior consultants and resource mobilisation managers and three employees from the management have also been fired for resisting “corporatisation” of the institute. “Under the current regime,it is becoming difficult to treat those who cannot afford it. The philosophy behind the institute has changed and employees who are in favour of community services are being targeted,” Supriya Gupta,former president of the institute,said.

The staff has now written to the DDA,which gave land at a concession rate to the institute,the Registrar of Companies and the state Health department,seeking intervention in the matter.

According to doctors,the institute has not renewed its registration since 2002. The protesting doctors are also demanding an independent audit and review of the accounts of the institute for the last eight years. “We want community service to be restored and the board must withdraw transfers and terminations made to suit their personal agendas,” a senior official said on the condition of anonymity.