JP Nadda Reviews Cleanliness Drive and New Patient Shelter at AIIMS
Union Health Minister JP Nadda inspects Special Campaign 6 initiatives and a new BEL-funded Aashray Shelter for patients at AIIMS New Delhi.
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda visited the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, on Thursday to personally assess the progress of cleanliness, sanitation, and waste management efforts. The visit was part of a review of the initiatives undertaken by the premier medical institute under Special Campaign 6.
Focus on Swachhata and Institutional Hygiene
During his visit, the Union Health Minister received a detailed briefing on the various steps AIIMS has implemented under the Swachhata Abhiyan. The institute has focused heavily on the upkeep of its premises to ensure a hygienic environment for patients and staff alike.
To strengthen sanitation and hygiene, AIIMS has adopted several best practices, including:
- The implementation of gang washing and the deployment of dedicated sanitary attendants in OPD and emergency toilets.
- Strict schedules for end-of-day OPD cleaning.
- Regular training programs for sanitation workers and ensuring timely payment of wages.
- Rigorous monitoring of sanitation supplies and the use of mechanised cleaning equipment.
A Leap Toward Sustainability: Water and Energy Savings
Beyond cleanliness, AIIMS has made significant strides in resource efficiency. The institute now operates 11 wastewater treatment plants equipped with smart metering and online monitoring. This system allows AIIMS to reuse approximately 19.6 lakh litres of treated wastewater every day for horticulture purposes.
Energy conservation has also yielded impressive results. By optimising air-conditioning and ensuring equipment is powered off when not in use, the institute reported a reduction of 7.68 lakh kWh in electricity consumption—a decline of 10.5 per cent. This efficiency led to a decrease in electricity expenditure by about Rs 1.98 crore between January and October 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
To promote green mobility, AIIMS provides 40 free electric vehicle (EV) shuttle services for patients and attendants within the campus. The infrastructure supports this with 30 EV chargers and 114 dedicated power points across four locations, all managed via smart monitoring systems.
New Aashray Shelter for Underprivileged Patients
A key highlight of the visit was the inspection of the newly constructed Patient Waiting Lounge at the AIIMS Trauma Centre Extension Campus. Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the facility spans 2,970 square metres and can accommodate 897 people.
The building features:
- Primary and secondary waiting areas.
- Strategically placed entry and exit points.
- Ramps for accessibility and necessary toilets.
This facility is proposed to function as an Aashray Shelter, providing a safe, dignified, and weather-protected temporary home for economically disadvantaged patients and their attendants traveling from outside Delhi. By replacing temporary tent-based shelters, the Aashray facility aims to improve comfort and hygiene, ensuring that patients no longer have to rest in open areas around the hospital.
Honouring the Frontline Workers
Closing his visit, Union Minister JP Nadda spent time interacting with the sanitation workers of AIIMS. He acknowledged their indispensable role in maintaining the hospital's hygiene and safety, emphasizing that the efforts of these frontline workers are integral to the overall healthcare environment.