Amid Delhi's legislative assembly elections, the Central Government has decidedly opened the treasury for the capital's hospitals. There are five significant hospitals under the Central Government in Delhi, and aside from Ram Manohar Lohia (RML), all have experienced increases in their budgets. The government has raised AIIMS Delhi's budget by 677 crores, making it the first time in history the All India Institute of Medical Science's budget has exceeded 5,000 crores.
9821 Crore Allocated for Five Hospitals
Hospitals like AIIMS in Delhi experience immense demand, drawing patients from across the country. This heavy demand has driven the decision to improve hospital services with increased budgets for these key facilities. Recently, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi met with patients at AIIMS to hear their grievances, subsequently criticizing mismanagement by the Central and Delhi governments.
Now, a budget allocation of 9821 crores has been made for five major hospitals under the Central Government, with AIIMS receiving the most significant share of 677 crores, bringing its total budget to nearly 5200 crores. Similarly, Safdarjung Hospital's budget has also been increased by 305 crores. Lady Hardinge receives an extra 50 crores, and Kalawati Saran Hospital gets an additional 3 crores. However, RML Hospital's budget has been slashed by more than 150 crores.
Investment in Medicines and Services
Furthermore, the budget for the All India Institute of Ayurveda, under AYUSH Ministry, also sees an increase. Last year, the institute received a budget of 227 crores, now elevated by 24 crores to 251 crores. Last year, the total budget for these Delhi hospitals was over 8932 crores, which has been boosted by approximately 900 crores this year. This funding aims to enhance hospital services and strengthen infrastructure.
The Indian Express spoke with AIIMS officials, revealing that the government was requested for a 650 crore fund to purchase new equipment, which has now been proposed in the budget. Remaining funds will cover salaries and inflation allowances. The budget allocation will also fund medicine purchases, fuel expenses, outsourced work, and payments to cleaning staff. AIIMS will focus on enhancing facilities such as surgical units and mother-child care blocks with the provided budget.
Life-Saving Drugs Made Affordable
From the last fiscal year's budget of 4523 crores, AIIMS sees a 15% hike, reaching 5200 crores. Likewise, Safdarjung Hospital's budget increased from 1874 crores last year to 2179 crores now. RML, in contrast, suffered a reduction from 1610 crores to 1458 crores this year. Notably, the budget includes making 36 life-saving medicines completely duty-free, crucial for treating severe illnesses such as cancer. The planning includes developing Cancer Day Care Centers in the nation's public hospitals.
