Mumbai: The dean of state-run JJ Hospital in Byculla wrote to the civic commissioner, seeking cancellation of poll work for 134 of the medical college’s doctors and allied staff.This followed a letter from the BMC commissioner, who is also the district election officer, to JJ Hospital dean Dr Ajay Bhandarwar on December 22 about poll duty assignments for the hospital staff.“A huge number of poor and needy patients from all over Maharashtra are admitted to Sir JJ Group of Hospitals as outpatients and inpatients,” said Dr Bhandarwar. Moreover, the letter said the admission process for undergraduate and postgraduate courses is underway. “If the said teaching staff and staff are sent for election work, there will be a hindrance in patient service,” it added.The dean also attached a letter from the under secretary and deputy chief electoral officer, Maharashtra State, which mentioned that as govt hospitals are essential services, their staff are exempt from election duty.
