50 docs quit Escorts to join Apollo, Fortis says 12

Widening the ambit of the battle between leading cardio surgeon Naresh Trehan and Fortis-Escort hospital, at least 50 doctors were among 100 staffers who are understood to have quit the Ranbaxy-owned medical institution to join rival Apollo Group in a sign of solidarity with him.

Trehan had yesterday announced his resignation from Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre (EHIRC) and decision to join Apollo Group and said a "significant" number of doctors from Escorts will be moving with him.

About 100 staffers, including 50 doctors, have resigned from Escorts which has a stregnth of 217 doctors, sources close to Trehan told PTI today.

Trehan, who ended his 20-year-long association with Escorts Hospital, which was his brainchild, is joining Apollo on Monday. "We are working out the details," he said when asked what position he has been offered.

However, a Fortis spokesman said 12 doctors and as many paramedic staff have quit the Escorts Heart Institute.

Among the doctors who resigned are Yatin Malik and Kasliwal. Sources said more doctors, technicians, nurses and physiotherapist will be resigning from Escorts to join Trehan.

Trehan was sacked as executive director of the hospital by Fortis Healthcare on May 18. The week-long tussle between Shivender Mohan Singh, managing director of Fortis Healthcare which has majority stake in Escorts and Trehan, ended on May 26 when both agreed for an out-of-court settlement.