Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda called for a balanced, patient-centric approach in the functioning of newly established All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, stressing that capacity expansion must not compromise quality of care or academic standards.
Addressing the Leadership Conclave of Presidents and Executive Directors of new AIIMS convened by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi, J. P. Nadda said the ongoing expansion of the AIIMS network demands stronger institutional coordination, inter-institutional collaboration and a cohesive governance framework to reinforce public health systems across the country.
He described the conclave as both timely and relevant in the current phase of growth of the AIIMS network. Emphasising the need to maintain equilibrium among patient care, teaching and research, he underlined that a patient-centric model must remain central to institutional functioning. He called for structured patient feedback mechanisms and concrete measures to enhance patient satisfaction, stating that new AIIMS should progressively establish world standards in patient care and medical education while preserving the institutional ethos associated with the AIIMS system.
Highlighting that the new AIIMS are at varying stages of development, the Minister stressed the importance of mutual support and structured collaboration to ensure coordinated growth. He expressed satisfaction that 20 AIIMS have formed a collaborative research consortium aligned with national health priorities. Institutional leadership, he said, must combine administrative efficiency with academic excellence to guide such initiatives effectively.
Clarifying governance responsibilities, J. P. Nadda reiterated that the President of each AIIMS represents the Ministry and provides guidance and oversight, while the Executive Director is responsible for day-to-day administration. Respecting this functional distinction, he noted, is essential for effective institutional management. He urged institutions to move beyond conventional practices and adopt greater transparency, accountability and objectivity in decision-making processes.
The Minister called for adoption of cutting-edge technologies, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence in diagnostics and clinical decision-making. He also emphasised institutionalising telemedicine services as a routine component of AIIMS operations to improve outreach and accessibility. Strengthening structured outreach programmes, he said, would deepen community engagement and reinforce the public health mandate of the institutions.
On human resource development, J. P. Nadda stressed accelerating faculty recruitment while maintaining knowledge standards and quality of healthcare delivery. He suggested conducting at least four cycles of interviews annually and noted recent progress in faculty recruitment across AIIMS. He reiterated the need for regular conduct of structured recruitment mechanisms such as NORCET and the Common Recruitment Examination for nursing and non-faculty staff to ensure timely appointments.
He directed that Jan Aushadhi Kendras and AMRIT Pharmacies be made functional in all AIIMS to guarantee affordable access to medicines for patients. He further called for establishing structured faculty and student exchange mechanisms between AIIMS and other Institutes of National Importance, with AIIMS playing a leading role in teaching and nursing capacity building.
The Minister emphasised collaborative research with premier institutions such as Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Institutes of Management, particularly in emerging areas including rare diseases, genetic disorders and medical technology innovation. While acknowledging the significant expansion in the number of AIIMS, he cautioned that increased capacity must not dilute established standards. The quality of healthcare delivery and medical education associated with AIIMS, he said, must be preserved.
He also highlighted the importance of nurturing responsible student leadership aligned with the dignity and values of the AIIMS system, urging institutional heads to develop mechanisms that promote academic discipline and institutional integrity.
On the occasion, J. P. Nadda released a publication titled Compilation of Office Memorandum and Guidelines on Various Matters, prepared by the Finance Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The publication consolidates key financial and administrative instructions issued over time and is intended to serve as a reference document for institutions under the Ministry, including the new AIIMS.
Senior officials of the Ministry and Presidents and Executive Directors of newly established AIIMS participated in the deliberations.
