— Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma, New Delhi

India’s most prestigious and globally recognised healthcare institution, ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES (AIIMS), NEW DELHI, has been allocated ₹5,546 crore in the Union Budget 2026. While the figure appears substantial on paper, experts and officials within AIIMS warn that the allocation still falls short of meeting the institute’s rapidly expanding needs amid an unprecedented surge in patient load and demand for cutting-edge medical care.


Patient Surge, Resource Stress
According to the AIIMS administration, the post-COVID period has seen an almost 400% increase in patient footfall. In comparison, although the overall budgetary growth over recent years stands at around 170%, the demand for advanced treatment, diagnostics, infrastructure and skilled manpower has grown at a far sharper pace.


Health experts point out that AIIMS NEW DELHI is no longer just a national referral centre but an international hub for complex and critical cases, intensifying pressure on its already stretched resources.


Where the AIIMS Budget Will Go
Of the total allocation:
₹3,108 crore has been earmarked for Grant-in-Aid (Salaries), enabling recruitment of new doctors, faculty members and support staff.
Around ₹600 crore has been allocated for capital expenditure, aimed at strengthening critical infrastructure, including:
PET-CT scanners and MRI systems,
State-of-the-art operation theatres,
High-end medical equipment, and
A stronger cyber security framework for hospital systems.


Expansion Plans in Focus
According to PROF. REEMA DADA, Head of the AIIMS Media Cell, upcoming projects such as the Critical Care Block and a new Service Block are expected to significantly ease pressure on the hospital and ensure timely life-saving care for critically ill patients.


99% Fund Utilisation, Yet the Gap Persists
Officials reveal that AIIMS NEW DELHI has utilised nearly 99% of its allocated funds in recent years, yet the number of OPD visits, referrals and complex surgeries continues to rise relentlessly.
Medical professionals argue that maintaining global healthcare standards demands sustained and aggressive investment, especially in infrastructure, technology and human resources.


Government Recognition, But Challenges Remain
The ₹5,546-crore allocation signals that the government recognises the strategic importance of AIIMS NEW DELHI. However, the widening gap between demand and available resources remains a pressing concern.


If AIIMS is to truly evolve into a world-class public health institution, experts insist that future budgets must deliver far more robust investment—across funding, infrastructure expansion and manpower development.


The message is clear: prestige alone cannot shoulder the burden of global expectations—AIIMS needs sustained, bold financial backing to match its critical role in India’s and the world’s healthcare ecosystem.