Wednesday, July 5 2006 17:38 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Doctors supporting sacked AIIMS Director Dr P Venugopal today went on a strike to protest his removal from the post affecting services at the hospital.

"We have declared a strike. Resident doctors, students, scientists and faculty members have all gone on strike to protest the decision," said Dr Vinod Patra, a representative of the AIIMS Resident Doctors' Association.

Describing the development as 'blackest and saddest' day, Malhotra said Ramadoss suddenly brought in a supplementary resolution seeking removal of Dr Venugopal.

The Health Minister said Venugopal can be given three months' salary and asked to go.

"Three of the members voiced their dissent over the ouster," he said.

It was a humiliation to person of Venugopal's repute, Malhotra said and accused the UPA Government of destroying the autonomy of the premier institution 'brick-by-brick'.