New Delhi: In a significant boost to India's premier healthcare institution, the Union Budget has allocated Rs 5,546 crore to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. This represents an increase of approximately Rs 307 crore over the previous year's revised estimates, coming at a time when patient footfall at the country's largest public hospital has been rising at a pace far exceeding funding growth over recent years.
Addressing Post-Pandemic Healthcare Demands
Officials have clarified that the enhanced budgetary allocation is strategically designed to meet several pressing needs. These include rising salary commitments, day-to-day operational expenses, and supporting capital expansion initiatives at the institute. This financial injection is particularly crucial given that AIIMS Delhi has witnessed an astonishing 400% surge in patient numbers during the post-Covid period, while overall funding increased by about 170% during the same timeframe.
Infrastructure Development and Service Enhancement
Professor Rima Dada, in-charge of the AIIMS media cell, highlighted several key projects that will benefit from this funding. Proposed developments include a critical care block and a new service block, both aimed at alleviating pressure on existing wards and expanding access to life-saving services for critically ill patients. The institute is also planning to augment its diagnostic and treatment capabilities with advanced medical equipment.
These enhancements will include PET-CT scanners, MRI systems, and modern operation theatres, which are expected to significantly reduce waiting times for complex investigations and surgical procedures. Additionally, strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure has been identified as a priority area to protect sensitive patient data and hospital systems.
Detailed Breakdown of Budget Allocation
The budgetary distribution reveals specific focus areas:
- Salary Expenditure: Rs 3,108 crore has been earmarked under the grant-in-aid (salary) category, up from Rs 2,800 crore in the 2025-26 revised estimates. This increase accommodates fresh faculty appointments, recruitment of additional support staff, and routine annual increments and allowances.
- Operational Costs: The allocation under grant-in-aid (general), covering recurring expenses such as maintenance, utilities, academic activities, and administrative costs, stands at Rs 1,827.92 crore. This is marginally lower than last year's revised estimate of Rs 1,878.70 crore, though officials indicate this component will be reviewed and potentially enhanced during the financial year as needed.
- Capital Investment: Capital spending has received a modest boost with Rs 600 crore allocated for creating capital assets, compared to Rs 550 crore in 2025-26. These funds are designated for infrastructure strengthening, modernization initiatives, and procurement of high-end medical equipment.
Financial Management and Future Challenges
Despite growing systemic pressures, AIIMS Delhi has maintained an impressive track record of financial utilization, with officials reporting over 99% utilization of allocated funds in recent years. This demonstrates efficient management of resources even as demands on the institution escalate.
The latest budgetary allocation underscores both the expanding role of AIIMS within India's public health system and the ongoing challenge of keeping pace with rapidly increasing healthcare demands. With outpatient and referral loads continuing their upward trajectory, the institution faces the dual task of maintaining service excellence while implementing necessary expansions and upgrades.
This funding decision reflects the government's recognition of AIIMS Delhi's critical position in India's healthcare landscape and the need to support its mission of providing accessible, high-quality medical care to a growing patient population.
