26 of 112 AIIMS operation theatres non-functional, committee finds

The Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare examined the operational challenges, staffing shortages, and facility gaps at AIIMS, New Delhi to address issues affecting patient access to healthcare and treatment.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (specifically AIIMS, New Delhi) and the general public seeking medical treatment, particularly those facing long wait times or seeking specialized care.

• Committee flagged that 39% of faculty posts (508 out of 1,306) and 22% of non-faculty posts (3,056 out of 13,911) are vacant.
• Committee recommended interim contractual appointments, biannual recruitment for nursing officers, annual faculty recruitment, and integration of eligible project staff with over 15 years of service into the regular workforce.
• Committee noted that only 440 out of 887 advertised senior resident posts were filled in 2024 and recommended a comprehensive review of unfilled positions and outreach efforts to attract candidates.
• Committee observed that 26 out of 112 major operation theatres and 81 out of 433 ICU beds are non-functional, and 843 out of 4,178 beds are unutilised.
• Committee recommended increasing beds in cardiology, neurology, and trauma departments, expanding neonatal facilities by at least 50 beds, and expediting the implementation of the master plan.
• Committee recommended setting up AIIMS-like institutes in each state (including Karnataka), establishing another AIIMS in the NCR region, developing a referral system, establishing 100-150 bedded emergency centres in Delhi-NCR, and maximising telemedicine usage.
• Committee recommended decentralising laboratory and diagnostic services to regional and district hospitals, adopting tele-radiology, and exploring partnerships with private hospitals.
• Committee recommended ensuring at least 20% protected time for faculty research, generating at least 10% of budget through research and industry collaboration, and establishing a Centre for Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
• Committee noted that only around 250 out of 850 faculty members have campus accommodation and recommended expediting housing projects and redevelopment of residential colonies.
• Committee recommended revising recruitment procedures for senior administrative posts, decentralising decision-making powers, and providing adequate administrative and financial powers to directors.

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