Delhi hospital’s call for special treatment for VIPs sparks criticism

A circular issued by New Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital has sparked a backlash across the country, with strong criticism from the Indian Medical Association and others who have called for the document to be withdrawn.

The circular, which is signed by the hospital’s medical superintendent, was issued on 18 May, but widespread reports on social media have sent the story viral.

The circular warned doctors at the hospital of “action” if they took care of VIP patients in a “casual way.” It said, “It has been observed that VIP reference has not been attended properly and handled in a very casual way by the doctors on duty at trauma centre …