New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

In a clear signal of the Central Government’s renewed commitment to strengthening public healthcare, the Union Budget 2026–27 has rolled out a significant funding push for major central government hospitals in Delhi, with a sharp focus on patient care, medical education, research, and infrastructure upgradation.


At the heart of this healthcare push stands AIIMS, Delhi, which has emerged as the biggest beneficiary of the budgetary allocation.


AIIMS Tops the List with Record Allocation
The government has allocated a massive ₹5,500.9 crore to AIIMS, Delhi for 2026–27—an increase of ₹262.2 crore over last year’s revised estimates. Officials say the enhanced funding will directly support advanced clinical care, cutting-edge medical research, and training of future healthcare professionals, reinforcing AIIMS’ role as the backbone of India’s tertiary healthcare system.


Safdarjung Hospital Strengthened to Handle Patient Load
One of the country’s busiest referral centres, Safdarjung Hospital along with Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, has been allocated ₹2,170.7 crore, up from ₹2,045 crore in 2025–26. The increase is aimed at managing ever-rising patient inflow, improving facilities, and upgrading medical infrastructure.


Boost for RML Hospital and ABVIMS
A sharper hike has been announced for Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS), whose combined allocation has jumped to ₹1,450.7 crore, compared to ₹1,214.7 crore last year. The government expects this investment to expand services and enhance operational efficiency.


Special Focus on Women and Child Healthcare
Women-centric healthcare institutions have also received increased attention.
Lady Hardinge Medical College and Smt Sucheta Kriplani Hospital have been allocated ₹795.9 crore, up from ₹770 crore.
Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital has received ₹182.2 crore, higher than the previous ₹177 crore, underscoring the government’s focus on paediatric care.


Government’s Clear Health Message
Officials said the enhanced allocations reflect the Centre’s intent to sustain heavy patient inflow, modernise hospital infrastructure, and meet rising operational costs, while ensuring that quality healthcare reaches the common citizen.


With healthcare emerging as a budgetary priority, the Centre’s increased spending on central hospitals signals a decisive move towards stronger, more resilient public health services—placing government hospitals firmly at the centre of India’s healthcare future.