AIIMS Faculty, Karamchari Union seek doc’s reinstatement

The Faculty Association of AIIMS (FAIMS) and the institute’s recognised Karamchari Union have expressed support for senior cardiothoracic surgeon Dr AK Bisoi, who was removed as Head of the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) Department following a sexual harassment complaint.

In a letter to AIIMS Director Dr M Srinivas, the FAIMS called for the immediate withdrawal of memorandum dated October 10, 2025 and reinstatement as HOD, CTVS, within 24 hours. The letter condemned the action of the Nurses’ Union, stating that the “grievance was already forwarded to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)”, and that Dr Bisoi “had already proceeded on leave with effect from October 11, 2025” and “no opportunity was given to defend himself preceding his removal. This violates the principle of natural justice”.

The FAIMS also highlighted concerns over the conduct of the Nurses’ Union, noting that sharing the grievance and threatening protests “amount to undue pressure on the administration, compromising institutional integrity” and “undermines due process”. The association demanded that the ICC investigate the grievance “strictly on merit, free from external or union influence,” and recommended disciplinary action against the union, including suspension of office-bearers and a ban on their participation in future elections.

In a separate letter to the AIIMS Director, the Karamchari Union noted that “…removal of Prof (Dr) AK Bisoi from headship of CTVS on October 11, 2025, before completion of inquiry, constitutes a pre-emptive decision, undermining both the agreed process and the credibility of the investigation.”

The union also highlighted procedural lapses, stating that disciplinary actions “have been taken against AIIMS employees without adequately hearing the viewpoint of the individual concerned, which goes against the principles of natural justice.”

The union referred to staff statements from the September 29 CTVS ICU meeting, noting that these “did not support the allegations of abusive language.”

The removal of Dr Bisoi followed a complaint lodged by a female nursing officer on September 30, 2025, alleging inappropriate language and seeking a transfer. Subsequent representations from the Nurses’ Union led to a call for mass protests on October 11. In response, the AIIMS administration issued a memorandum removing Dr Bisoi from his position as Head of the CTVS Department and assigning the charge to Dr V Devagourou with immediate effect.

The FAIMS has demanded that the ICC investigate the grievance strictly on merit, free from external or union influence.

“If the Professor is not reinstated within 24 hours, all faculty will be compelled to launch a mass protest to safeguard institutional dignity and ensure fairness in line with AIIMS’ mission of highest-quality patient care,” said a letter signed by Prof Chittaranjan Behera, president of the FAIMS.

Dr Amarinder Singh Malhi, general secretary of FAIMS, added that faculty members have also planned a mass casual leave on October 18 if Dr Bisoi is not reinstated.

“There is strong lobbying on the issue, and the faculty has involved the Karamchari Union on the issue, standing firmly with the senior surgeon,” a source said.