Committee led by Dr. VK Paul to propose strategic reforms aimed at easing patient burden and boosting medical research
New Delhi: In a move that could reshape the future of India’s top medical institute, the NITI Aayog is poised to recommend a comprehensive revamp of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, including the expansion of its clinical services across the National Capital Region (NCR).
AIIMS Burdened by Patient Load
Currently, AIIMS Delhi handles an overwhelming 7,200 outpatients daily, while its emergency department treats 400–500 cases every day, leading to long waiting times and severe pressure on medical staff and infrastructure.
Expansion Beyond AIIMS Campus
According to senior government officials cited by The Economic Times, the reform is aimed at:
- Decongesting the main AIIMS campus
- Allowing more time for medical research
- Improving patient flow and service quality
A high-level committee, headed by Dr. V.K. Paul, member of NITI Aayog, is reviewing AIIMS’ current functioning. The committee is expected to submit a blueprint of reforms later this year, offering short-, medium-, and long-term policy interventions with clear timelines and implementation strategies.
Decentralising OPDs to NCR Hospitals
One of the key proposals under review is to extend AIIMS outpatient department (OPD) services to underutilised government and private hospitals in NCR. This would decentralise routine consultations and treatments, enabling AIIMS to focus on complex and critical cases.
The official said:
“All aspects are being considered to ensure quality of service and that medical care is not compromised… The idea of spreading OPDs outside of AIIMS will only succeed if there is a strict monitoring mechanism.”
What the Revamp Could Include
- Satellite OPD centres across NCR
- Digitisation of appointments and follow-ups
- Improved patient triaging systems
- Strengthening referral mechanisms to and from AIIMS
- Enhancing AIIMS’ research and teaching capabilities
The reform aligns with the broader vision of transforming AIIMS into a globally benchmarked academic medical centre, while simultaneously improving patient access and outcomes.
