“Resolve Humanitarian Crisis at AIIMS,” Rahul Gandhi Urges Nadda and Atishi

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th Jan. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has raised concerns about the “distressing situation” outside the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, where hundreds of patients are often seen huddled on footpaths and in subways due to overcrowding. In a letter dated January 18, Gandhi urged Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi to help resolve this “humanitarian crisis” by taking immediate and long-term measures to improve healthcare access and infrastructure.

Gandhi highlighted the burden on Delhi AIIMS, stating that it is overburdened as “crores of people do not have access to affordable and high-quality healthcare where they live.” He called for the early operationalization of new AIIMS facilities across the country to alleviate pressure on the existing infrastructure. “I urge you as Health Minister to recognise and address this systemic issue,” Gandhi wrote, emphasizing the need for strengthening public healthcare infrastructure at all levels, from primary to tertiary care, in collaboration with state governments.

In addition to operational improvements, Gandhi also recommended a review of central healthcare schemes like Ayushman Bharat to reduce patient out-of-pocket expenses by expanding eligibility, enrolled hospitals, and covered conditions. He pointed out the rising costs of private healthcare and urged the government to address these issues in the upcoming Budget. “I hope the Government will use the upcoming Budget to review its overall approach and substantially increase its investment in public healthcare,” he stated.

Gandhi also called for reduced wait times at AIIMS and suggested providing patients with information on wait times to alleviate uncertainty. On Thursday, Gandhi visited the area outside AIIMS, meeting with patients and their families camping on the roads. He expressed concern over their lack of shelter, with many patients enduring the cold with only thin blankets and inadequate sanitation. Most patients complained to him about the lack of proper accommodations and long wait times for appointments.

In his letter to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Gandhi said he was “saddened” by the sight of patients outside AIIMS enduring bitter cold without basic amenities. He urged the Delhi government to provide immediate support during the winter by offering heating, bedding, water, and shelter. Gandhi also called for exploring permanent solutions to accommodate patients by expanding facilities.

While praising the care provided by AIIMS, Gandhi emphasized that the conditions outside the hospital reflect the broader issue of inadequate healthcare access for millions of Indians. He assured full support for efforts to reduce the suffering of patients and their families, urging a unified approach from all public representatives to address these issues.