New Delhi: The Union Budget has allocated Rs 5,546 crore to AIIMS, New Delhi, an increase of about Rs 307 crore over last year’s revised estimates, even as patient footfall at the country’s largest public hospital has risen far faster than funding over the past few years.Officials said the enhanced allocation aims to meet rising salary commitments, day-to-day operations and to support capital expansion at the institute, which saw patient numbers surge by an estimated 400% in the post-Covid period. Overall allocation, however, increased by about 170% in the same time.AIIMS media cell in-charge Prof Rima Dada said proposed projects such as a critical care block and a new service block aim to ease pressure on wards and expand access to life-saving services for critically ill patients. The institute is also expected to add advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, including PET-CT scanners, MRI systems and modern operation theatres, which could help reduce waiting times for complex investigations and surgeries. Strengthening cyber security infrastructure was also flagged as a priority.Of the total outlay, Rs 3,108 crore was earmarked for salaries under the grant-in-aid (salary) head, up from Rs 2,800 crore in the revised estimates of 2025-26. The increase reflects fresh faculty appointments, recruitment of support staff and routine annual increments and allowances.The allocation under grant-in-aid (general), which covers recurring operational expenditure such as maintenance, utilities, academic activities and administrative costs, was pegged at Rs 1,827.92 crore, marginally lower than the revised estimate of Rs 1,878.70 crore last year. Officials said this component will be reviewed during the financial year and enhanced, if required.Capital spending saw a modest rise, with Rs 600 crore allocated for the creation of capital assets, compared with Rs 550 crore in 2025-26. The funds are intended to support infrastructure strengthening, modernisation initiatives and procurement of high-end equipment.Despite growing pressure on its systems, officials said the institute maintained over 99% utilisation of allocated funds in recent years.With outpatient and referral loads continuing to rise, the latest allocation underlined both the expanding role of AIIMS in the public health system and the challenge of staying in step with demand.
