All India Institute of Medical Sciences
| All India Institute of Medical Sciences | |
|---|---|
| |
| Type | Autonomous Public Medical University, Tertiary Healthcare Institution |
| Established | 1956 |
| Affiliation | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India |
| Governing Body | Governing Body (per AIIMS Act) |
| Specialty | Multi-specialty, Super-specialty, Tertiary Care |
| Location | New Delhi (Headquarters) |
| Country | India |
| Services | Undergraduate and Postgraduate Medical Education, Biomedical Research, Tertiary and Super-specialty Healthcare, Emergency and Trauma Care, Organ Transplant Services |
| Website | https://www.aiims.edu |
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is a group of autonomous public medical universities and tertiary healthcare institutions in India. Established by an Act of Parliament in 1956, AIIMS institutions are designated as Institutes of National Importance. They function under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and are recognised for their roles in medical education, research, and specialised healthcare delivery.
The AIIMS system comprises multiple campuses located across different states in India, developed to improve access to advanced medical services and to standardise medical training nationwide.
History
The first AIIMS was established in New Delhi in 1956 under the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Act, 1956. The institution was conceived to serve as a centre of excellence in medical education and research and to demonstrate high standards in patient care.
Subsequent AIIMS institutions were announced and developed in phases beginning in the early 21st century as part of government initiatives aimed at strengthening tertiary healthcare infrastructure and addressing regional disparities in medical education.
Governance and Structure
AIIMS institutions operate autonomously while remaining under the administrative oversight of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Each institute is governed by a governing body and functions according to statutory provisions laid down in the AIIMS Act and subsequent amendments.
All AIIMS campuses share similar academic frameworks, admission standards, and institutional objectives, although they operate independently in terms of administration and campus development.
Objectives
The primary objectives of AIIMS institutions include:
- Providing high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate medical education
- Conducting biomedical and clinical research
- Delivering specialised tertiary healthcare services
- Training healthcare professionals across disciplines
- Serving as referral centres for complex medical cases
Campuses
In addition to the original institution in New Delhi, several AIIMS campuses have been established in various states. These include institutions located in:
- Bhopal
- Bhubaneswar
- Jodhpur
- Rishikesh
- Patna
- Raipur
- Nagpur
- Gorakhpur
- Bathinda
- Bibinagar
- Deoghar
- Guwahati
- Kalyani
- Mangalagiri
- Rajkot
Additional campuses have been proposed or are under development as part of ongoing healthcare expansion programmes.
Academic Programmes
AIIMS institutions offer a range of academic programmes in medicine and allied health sciences, including:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Surgery (MS)
- Doctorate of Medicine (DM) and Master of Chirurgiae (MCh)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing
- Master of Science (MSc) in Nursing
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes
Admissions to undergraduate programmes are generally conducted through national-level entrance examinations, while postgraduate and doctoral admissions follow institute-specific or centralised procedures as notified periodically.
Medical Services
AIIMS hospitals provide comprehensive healthcare services, including outpatient, inpatient, emergency, and super-specialty care. Departments typically include general medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, orthopaedics, cardiology, neurology, oncology, and other specialised disciplines.
The institutions also operate intensive care units, trauma centres, diagnostic laboratories, and organ transplant services where applicable. Many AIIMS campuses function as referral centres for patients requiring advanced or specialised treatment.
Research and Contributions
Research forms a central component of AIIMS' mandate. Faculty and researchers engage in clinical trials, public health studies, biomedical research, and policy advisory activities. AIIMS institutions have contributed to national health programmes and have played roles in managing public health emergencies.
Research outputs from AIIMS are regularly published in peer-reviewed national and international medical journals.
Role in Public Health
AIIMS institutions participate in national healthcare initiatives, including immunisation programmes, disease surveillance, and capacity-building for healthcare professionals. They also provide medical training and continuing education programmes for practitioners across India.
During public health emergencies, AIIMS institutions have served as referral and advisory centres, supporting government-led response efforts.
Recognition
AIIMS New Delhi has consistently been ranked among the leading medical institutions in India by various national ranking frameworks. The broader AIIMS network is widely regarded as a key component of India's public healthcare and medical education system.