Windfall for AIIMS in interim budget, three Central hospitals see slight increase

AIIMS official spokesperson Dr Reema Dada said the institute has got what it had asked for. “The increase in budget is meant for technology upgradation, increased footfall of patients… and mainly for the salary of doctors and staff where almost Rs 2,500 crore goes. These are our main expenditures,” she added.

Every year, the institute sends a proposal to provide a 10-20% increase considering the salary increase and hike in DA. The institute, however, did not disclose how much it had demanded.

The budget is meant for salaries; general expenses for example oil and transport; AMC, CMC equipment; consumables, office expenditure; machinery equipment like MRI and ultrasound machines; major equipment for surgeries like surgery tables, high-end microscopes, SET facility, and various robotics. “For all this high-end equipment, the budget we have got is good for meeting our demands,” said Dr Dada.

Safdarjung Hospital’s official spokesperson and Medical Superintendent Dr Vandana Bagg refused to comment on the budget allocations. The hospital has seen a decrease in the budget granted — in 2023-2024, it was Rs 1,853.34 crore, which was revised to Rs 1,933.07 crore. This year, Rs 1,834.00 crore has been granted to the hospital and its associated medical college.

At RML Hospital, Medical Superintendent Dr Ajay Shukla said the allocated budget will be spent on constructing a medical college building, developing a super-specialty block and purchasing equipment for it. Around 600 beds and 150 ICU beds will also be ensured for the same. “We will also invest in strengthening the oncology department at RML and purchasing radiotherapy and linac machines,” said Dr Shukla.

The hospital has received a grant of Rs 1,610.00 crore. In 2023-2024, it was allocated Rs 1,272.18 crore, which was revised to Rs 1,304.10 crore.

LHMC and its associated Smt Sucheta Kriplani Hospital saw a reduction in the money allocated. In the 2023-2024 Budget, it got Rs 768.15 crore which was revised to Rs 625 crore. This year, it has received Rs 750 crore.