Over 10.25 Lakh OPD Patients, 58,000 Emergency Cases Handled in 2025-26 as Demand Surges
According to information obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur operated at an 88 per cent Bed Occupancy Rate (BOR) during 2025-26, highlighting mounting pressure on the premier government healthcare institution. The occupancy level exceeds the benchmark associated with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) and reflects the growing demand for advanced medical services in the region.
During the year, AIIMS Raipur managed more than 10.25 lakh Outpatient Department (OPD) visits and over 58,000 emergency and trauma cases. The institution also witnessed a significant rise in surgical procedures, further increasing the burden on its existing infrastructure.
Occupancy Rate Exceeds National and International Benchmarks
The RTI data shows that the hospital’s 88 per cent occupancy rate is higher than the minimum 75 per cent indoor bed occupancy requirement prescribed under the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) 2020 regulations for teaching hospitals. It also surpasses the commonly accepted efficiency threshold of around 80 per cent, beyond which hospitals can face challenges such as overcrowding, reduced emergency response capacity, and difficulties managing sudden patient surges.
According to a report by The Hitavada, the information was disclosed through RTI application number AMSRP/R/E/26/00082 filed by Nagpur-based RTI activist Sanjay Thul. The response was provided by AIIMS Raipur’s Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), Shivendra Singh, along with details from internal medical records dated May 12, 2026.
OPD Footfall Crosses 10 Lakh Mark
The RTI records indicate a sharp increase in patient visits over the past two years. OPD attendance rose from 8,38,873 patients in 2023-24 to 10,25,823 patients in 2025-26, underscoring AIIMS Raipur’s growing importance as a tertiary healthcare centre for Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states.
Single MRI Machine Leading to Long Waiting Periods
One of the most significant findings of the RTI response is that AIIMS Raipur currently has only one functional MRI machine despite the rising patient load. Reports indicate that patients may have to wait up to four months for an MRI scan, raising concerns about delays in diagnosis and treatment.
The RTI response does not mention any approved, proposed, or ongoing plans to expand MRI infrastructure at the institute, despite the increasing demand for advanced diagnostic services.
Need for Infrastructure Expansion
The revelations come shortly after AIIMS Raipur was ranked sixth among India’s Best Hospitals in Newsweek’s 2026 rankings. While the institution continues to handle a rapidly growing number of patients, the RTI findings have highlighted the urgent need for additional beds, diagnostic equipment, and healthcare resources to ensure timely and efficient patient care in the coming years.
