New Rules in AIIMS Delhi: Smart Card Facility, No Cash Payments by March

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 25th Jan. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has announced that by March 31, 2024, the AIIMS Smart Card will be implemented across all departments for all types of payments. This transition to a digital payment system aims to enhance patient convenience, prevent overcharging, and ensure transparent accounting.

A recent news report highlighted a case where an outsourced service provider manipulated the final discharge bills of patients in another institution, resulting in financial loss and distress for the patients. This emphasizes the need for AIIMS New Delhi to adopt a fully integrated digital payment system to protect patients from exploitation and maintain comprehensive accounting records.

AIIMS has also stated that cash payments will no longer be accepted at any counters except for the AIIMS Smart Card top-up counters. In addition to electronic payments through UPI, debit cards, and credit cards, the AIIMS Smart Card will be the sole method of payment for all investigations and procedures.

The Smart Card has already been tested in some departments and will be implemented throughout the institution by the end of March. The order advises that the AIIMS Smart Card should be fully operationalized for all payments by March 31, 2024. Cash payments will only be accepted at the designated AIIMS Smart Card top-up counters, which will be available in multiple locations within the OPDs, hospitals, and centers, operating 24/7.

All payment endpoints will be conveniently located near the patients, eliminating the need for them or their attendants to visit central registration counters for payments.