All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, celebrated its 69th Foundation Day with a grand ceremony attended by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav. Speaking at the event, Shri Jadhav praised AIIMS for its unparalleled contributions to medical education, research, and healthcare, noting that its legacy of excellence continues to inspire institutions worldwide.

“AIIMS New Delhi has achieved remarkable milestones and is determined to be one of the top-ranked medical institutions globally,” the Minister said, highlighting the institute's number one ranking among medical institutions in India for seven consecutive years in the National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF). This prestigious standing, according to Jadhav, is a testament to AIIMS’ consistent and unmatched performance.

AIIMS as a National Resource and Pioneer in AI-Driven Healthcare

AIIMS New Delhi now serves as the National Resource Centre for the National Medical College Network (NMCN), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This network connects over 100 medical colleges, improving undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing medical education. Jadhav noted that this effort is supported by the creation of a National Learning Management and Information System, SAKSHYAM, launched last year.

A key highlight of AIIMS’ progress is the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for healthcare, designed to develop AI-based solutions for the early detection of diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and skin lesions. The Minister also announced that AIIMS is poised to become the largest robotic surgery skill training center in India, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for surgeons.

Expanding Research and Infrastructure for Future Generations

With over 900 extramural research projects funded by national and international agencies, amounting to nearly Rs 200 crores, AIIMS continues to push the boundaries of medical research. Additionally, the institution has supported over 240 intramural research projects and offers travel fellowships for students, residents, and staff to participate in national and international conferences. AIIMS also introduced the Centre for Medical Innovation & Entrepreneurship, a Bio-Incubator under the BIRAC – BioNEST Scheme, fostering innovation in healthcare.

AIIMS is also planning a new hostel complex with 2,200 rooms, an initiative estimated to cost around Rs 900 crores. New academic facilities, such as the Mother and Child Block, Surgery Block, and the National Centre of Ageing, have already become fully functional, while the hospital’s inpatient beds, intensive care services, and operation theatres have all seen significant expansion.

Digital Transformation and Patient-Centric Innovations

AIIMS has embraced several digital initiatives aimed at improving patient care and transparency. The SANTUSHT portal allows patients to register grievances, track their status, and provide feedback. Additionally, real-time dashboards have been made available to the public to maintain trust and transparency. AIIMS has also developed a Triage Register for the Emergency Department, a web application that enhances patient safety through timely cross-consultations.

The Foundation Day event also saw the launch of several new digital solutions and the inauguration of AIIMS’ first dedicated fire station, a pioneering safety measure for medical institutions.

Excellence in Healthcare and Education Honored

The celebration culminated in an exhibition showcasing innovative research projects from AIIMS’ various departments. Students and staff were honored with medals and awards for their achievements, particularly those who contributed to the Institute Day Exhibition. AIIMS Director, Prof. M. Srinivas, shared updates on the institute’s ongoing efforts to secure NABH certification and NABL accreditation, further cementing AIIMS’ role as a leader in healthcare standards.

AIIMS has also taken a leadership role in implementing the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), having created more than 7 lakh ABHA IDs and over 20 lakh scan-and-share tokens, setting an example for the entire country.

As AIIMS continues to evolve, its legacy of innovation, research, and healthcare excellence remains at the forefront, not only for India but for the world.