Rahul Gandhi Writes To Nadda, Atishi Over AIIMS Patients' Plight, Calls For Urgent Reforms Amid Overcrowding

Rahul Gandhi has written to Union Health Minister J P Nadda and Delhi CM Atishi highlighting the poor conditions faced by patients outside AIIMS Delhi. He has urged immediate action to over the 'humanitarian crisis'.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written to Union Health Minister J P Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, highlighting the dire conditions of patients and their families outside the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi. Rahul has urged both the Union and Delhi governments to take immediate steps to resolve what he termed as a "humanitarian crisis."  

In a post on X, Rahul stated, "I have written letters to the Chief Minister of Delhi and the Union Health Minister to provide better facilities to the patients and their families coming to Delhi AIIMS from all over the country. Recently, I saw that in freezing cold these people are forced to sleep in the subway under the metro station, where there is no provision of drinking water or a toilet. There are heaps of garbage lying around. The arrival of such a large number of patients to Delhi AIIMS also shows that people are not getting affordable and good-quality health facilities where they live."  

"I hope that taking cognisance of my letter, the Chief Minister of Delhi and the Union Health Minister will take immediate steps to resolve this humanitarian crisis," he added.  

In his letter to Nadda, Rahul expressed his dismay over the distressing conditions outside AIIMS, Delhi. "During my recent visit to the area, I was saddened to see hundreds of patients and their family members huddled on the footpath and in the subway in the bitter winter cold, with only thin blankets to protect them, without drinking water or sanitation facilities," he wrote.  

He pointed out that many patients travel from across the country, spend their life savings, and wait for months for treatment at India's premier medical institution. "I am sure you will agree that no one should face such hardship, especially while already battling serious medical conditions," he added.  

Rahul acknowledged AIIMS Delhi's role in delivering "excellent and affordable care" but noted that the struggles of patients and their families reflect the broader healthcare crisis in India. "As public representatives, we must all work together to address these issues. I urge you to take immediate and timely steps to address the situation at AIIMS Delhi," he wrote.  

He urged the Union government to collaborate with AIIMS leadership, the Delhi government, and charitable organisations to provide heating, bedding, water, and shelter for patients. He also called for an expansion of permanent accommodation facilities and a reduction in long waiting times.  

"Crucially, the larger systemic issue is that AIIMS Delhi is overburdened because crores of people do not have access to affordable and high-quality healthcare where they live. I urge you, as Health Minister, to recognise and address this systemic issue," Rahul said.  

He suggested that new AIIMS facilities across the country be operationalised at the earliest. Additionally, he called for strengthening public healthcare at all levels—primary to tertiary—in partnership with state governments. Rahul also recommended a review of the Ayushman Bharat scheme to reduce out-of-pocket expenses by expanding eligibility, enrolled hospitals, and covered conditions.  

"The sharp rise in the costs of private healthcare also deserves detailed scrutiny," he said, urging the government to substantially increase investment in public healthcare in the upcoming Budget.  

"I request your prompt intervention on this pressing humanitarian issue. You have my full support in any endeavour to reduce the suffering of countless patients and their families," the Congress leader wrote.  

In his letter to Atishi, Rahul urged the Delhi government to take immediate and timely measures this winter while also exploring permanent solutions to accommodate patients. "More permanent solutions to accommodate patients by building and expanding permanent facilities should also be explored, in partnership with AIIMS and the Government of India, as well as charitable organisations," he suggested.  

Rahul Gandhi's Visit to AIIMS Delhi 

On Thursday, Rahul visited AIIMS Delhi and interacted with several patients and their families camping on roads, footpaths, and subways near the hospital. He accused both the Centre and the Delhi government of insensitivity towards their plight.  

Many patients and their families complained to him about the lack of a place to stay while undergoing treatment and the long wait times for appointments at AIIMS. Several also said they were forced to get medical tests done at private facilities due to unavailability at AIIMS.  

On Saturday, Rahul claimed that the national healthcare system had been "completely destroyed," and patients were paying a heavy price in their struggle for affordable and quality treatment at AIIMS Delhi. He also shared a video of his interactions with the patients and their families.  

Rahul's letter comes amid growing concerns over healthcare accessibility in India, with AIIMS Delhi serving as a crucial facility for patients from across the country. His appeal has intensified the focus on the need for systemic healthcare reforms and immediate relief measures for patients enduring extreme hardships.