AIIMS Delhi Overwhelmed: 15,000 Daily Patients Strain Resources

AIIMS Delhi, a leading public hospital, is experiencing immense pressure due to an average daily outpatient department (OPD) footfall of 14,000 to 15,000 patients. This high volume strains resources and contributes to significant waiting times for specialized treatments. A recent parliamentary report, presented on March 18, 2026, highlighted critical manpower gaps, revealing 750 vacant resident doctor positions, a 35% vacancy rate.

The report also noted that while AIIMS Delhi has over 1,000 surgeries daily, some complex specialties like neurosurgery face waitlists of up to five years. In addition, 26 major operation theaters and 81 ICU beds are non-functional, further complicating service delivery. Despite efforts to expand capacity and improve efficiency, the demand for services continues to surpass the institution's current capabilities.

The immense patient load, coupled with infrastructure challenges and staff shortages, raises concerns about patient access to timely and specialized care. While AIIMS strives to provide quality healthcare, the scale of the problem underscores the need for urgent intervention to address the systemic pressures impacting its operations and the well-being of its patients.