On October 11, 2025, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, removed Dr. A. K. Bisoi from his administrative role as Head of the Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) department. His departmental responsibilities have been handed over to Dr. V. Devagourou, who will serve as acting head until further orders.
The action followed a formal complaint from a female nursing officer, backed by representations from the AIIMS Nurses’ Union to both the Institute and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The nursing union alleged that Dr. Bisoi had used “abusive, vulgar and derogatory” language toward female nursing staff and created a hostile work environment.
According to these reports, the complaint also stated that Dr. Bisoi threatened nurses who complained against him and had allegedly suggested reassigning or removing them from clinical duties in retaliation. A black badge protest was conducted by the nurses on Oct 9th, and they protested on a massive scale demanding the removal of Dr. Bisoi on Oct 11th following which the action was taken. AIIMS administration has confirmed that an inquiry will be conducted as per institutional protocols and that Dr. Bisoi’s removal is pending further investigation.
In his official capacity as Director, Dr. M. Srinivas issued a memorandum assigning Dr. Devagourou to take over the administrative responsibilities of CTVS immediately, pending the outcome of the inquiry. Dr. Bisoi, for his part, has denied the allegations, calling them baseless, and maintains that no formal hearing or process was followed before his removal.
The AIIMS Nurses’ Union also raised concerns about past instances involving Dr. Bisoi. They pointed to a suspension in March 2009 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare over alleged misconduct, and to earlier complaints from 2019 concerning harassment of nurses, which they claim were not appropriately addressed.
AIIMS has initiated an internal inquiry, through its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), to examine the allegations in detail. The investigation is expected to review internal communications, staff testimony, procedural compliance, and claims of retaliation.
Until the inquiry is complete, Dr. Bisoi is no longer responsible for administrative leadership of CTVS, although he remains on the faculty roster. The outcome will determine whether he can resume departmental duties or face further disciplinary measures.
(Rh/Eth/TL)