AIIMS Delhi has officially declared a half-day closure on January 22 to facilitate the celebration of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The hospital will be shut until 2:30 pm, with critical services remaining operational, according to a statement from the Administrative Officer. All appointments are being rescheduled, and efforts will be made to accommodate any arriving patients, while evening OPDs will continue functioning.
In compliance with the central government's directive, which announced a half-day for all central government offices and establishments across India on January 22, AIIMS's decision aligns with this order. The Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Connaught Place, Delhi, also followed suit, declaring a half-day closure for its OPD and administrative departments until 2:30 pm on January 22. Emergency services will operate normally, and the OPD registration counter will open at 1:30 pm, as per the hospital's director.
Lady Hardinge Hospital in Connaught Place and Safdarjung Hospital have similarly announced half-day closures on January 22. Emergency services will continue during this period.
Earlier in the day, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena approved a half-day for all government offices, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), autonomous bodies, undertakings, and boards in the national capital in honor of the Ram Mandir's opening. This concerted effort to observe the ceremony reflects a recognition of the cultural significance of the event and emphasizes a sense of unity and celebration across various institutions in Delhi.
