Niti Aayog may propose major AIIMS Delhi revamp; expand services across NCR; reduce patient load

NEW DELHI: Niti Aayog is set to recommend a major revamp of AIIMS Delhi, with plans to expand its clinical services to several locations across the National Capital Region (NCR).This initiative aims to ease pressure on the institute's overloaded infrastructure and allow doctors to focus more on medical research, a senior government official told The Economic Times.Under the proposed changes, AIIMS would primarily handle critical and trauma cases, helping reduce waiting times for other critical procedures, the official added.Currently, AIIMS Delhi sees around 7,200 patients daily in its out-patient department (OPD) and 400–500 cases in its emergency section.According to the Economic Times, a committee led by Niti Aayog member VK Paul is reviewing the current systems at AIIMS and will soon draft a detailed reform plan.

The blueprint will include timelines and steps to upgrade the institute’s healthcare services to match international standards.The committee's report, due in the latter half of this year, will present policy recommendations categorised into short-term, medium-term and long-term interventions.The official revealed that the committee is exploring options to utilise vacant or underused facilities in other government and potentially private hospitals to operate AIIMS OPD services.

"All aspects are being considered to ensure quality of service and that medical care is not compromised. A final decision will be taken by the committee," the official stated."However, the idea of spreading OPDs outside of AIIMS will only succeed if there is a strict monitoring mechanism in place to ensure everyone in need of medical care or advice is catered as is done at AIIMS," the official added.