AIIMS: Structure, Functions, Total AIIMS in India, Regulatory Bodies & Healthcare Facilities
Introduction
• The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) represents the highest standard of healthcare, medical education, and research in India. Established under the AIIMS Act, 1956, these autonomous institutions play a crucial role in providing advanced medical services, operating super-specialty departments, and producing highly skilled medical professionals. Over the years, AIIMS has expanded significantly, with new institutes established across India to ensure regional access to world-class healthcare.
This article provides an in-depth guide to AIIMS—its history, total number of institutes in India, functions, regulatory structure, healthcare services, specialties, and its contribution to public health and medical innovation.
What is AIIMS?
AIIMS stands for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, a group of autonomous public medical institutes of national importance operated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
AIIMS institutions are known for:
• World-class medical education
• High-quality patient care
• Advanced medical research
• Specialization in super-specialty treatments
Affordable healthcare for all socioeconomic groups
The first AIIMS was established in New Delhi (1956) and continues to be the flagship institution.
Objectives of AIIMS
AIIMS was established with the following core objectives:
• To develop medical manpower of the highest standards
• To promote advanced teaching and research
• To provide high-quality, affordable healthcare services
• To serve as a referral centre for complicated medical cases
• To establish specialized training and medical programs
History of AIIMS in India
The idea of creating AIIMS originated with the recognition of the need for high-standard medical education and healthcare infrastructure in post-independence India.
• The first AIIMS was set up in 1956 under the AIIMS Act.
• Over time, to expand healthcare access, the government established new AIIMS under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).
• By 2024–25, multiple additional AIIMS have been planned, functioning, or under construction across India.
Total AIIMS in India (2025)
As of 2025, India has 24 AIIMS institutions:
Fully Functional AIIMS
1. AIIMS New Delhi
2. AIIMS Bhopal
3. AIIMS Bhubaneswar
4. AIIMS Jodhpur
5. AIIMS Patna
6. AIIMS Raipur
7. AIIMS Rishikesh
8. AIIMS Nagpur
9. AIIMS Bathinda
10. AIIMS Mangalagiri
11. AIIMS Bilaspur
12. AIIMS Deoghar
13. AIIMS Kalyani
14. AIIMS Gorakhpur
Partially Functional or Under Development
15. AIIMS Rae Bareli
16. AIIMS Guwahati
17. AIIMS Rajkot
18. AIIMS Vijaypur (Jammu)
19. AIIMS Madurai
20. AIIMS Darbhanga
21. AIIMS Rewari
22. AIIMS Awantipora (J&K)
23. AIIMS Manethi (Haryana)
24. AIIMS Telangana (proposed)
These AIIMS institutions differ in development stages—some offer OPD services, while others operate fully with MBBS, nursing, and paramedical programs.
Functions of AIIMS
AIIMS performs a wide range of functions essential for India’s healthcare system.
1. Medical Education
AIIMS offers:
• MBBS programs
• MD/MS programs
• DM/MCh (super-specialty)
• B.Sc Nursing & M.Sc Nursing
• Paramedical courses
• PhD programs
The medical curriculum is research-based and globally aligned.
2. Patient Care
AIIMS provides:
• Primary care
• Secondary care
• Tertiary care
Super-specialty medical and surgical services
Patients across India rely on AIIMS for complex and rare medical conditions.
3. Medical Research
AIIMS is a leader in:
• Biomedical research
• Clinical trials
• Epidemiological studies
• AI and robotics in healthcare
Pharmaceutical innovation
Research findings often guide national health policies.
4. Public Health Outreach
AIIMS plays a major role in:
• National health programs
• Training rural healthcare workers
• Disease prevention and awareness
• Vaccination drives
• Health emergency response (like COVID-19)
5. Policy Advisory
AIIMS doctors serve as expert advisors in:
• National health policy decisions
• Pandemic management
• Public health guidelines
• Legislative reforms
Regulatory Bodies of AIIMS
AIIMS is regulated and governed by multiple bodies:
1. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
The apex controlling authority that sets:
• Policies
• Budget allocation
• Annual plans
• Expansion roadmap
2. AIIMS Act (1956)
Defines:
• Administrative structure
• Academic autonomy
• Powers of governing body
3. Governing Body of AIIMS
Headed by:
• Union Health Minister (Chairperson)
It oversees:
• Academic programs
• Financial management
• Recruitment of faculty
4. Institute Body
Responsible for:
• Daily administration
• Hospital management
• Education and examinations
• Research development
5. Standing Finance Committee
Oversees the institute’s financial planning and resource allocation.
Healthcare Facilities Available in AIIMS
AIIMS institutions provide some of the best healthcare facilities in India.
1. Outpatient Services (OPD)
Departments include:
• General Medicine
• General Surgery
• Orthopedics
• Gynecology
• Dermatology
• ENT
• Psychiatry
• Pediatrics
2. Inpatient Services (IPD)
AIIMS hospitals have:
• Modern wards
• ICU & CCU
• Emergency trauma care
• Operation theatres
• Transplant units
3. Super-Specialty Departments
AIIMS offers advanced care in:
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Oncology
• Endocrinology
• Nephrology
• Gastroenterology
• Pulmonology
• Rheumatology
• Hepatology
• Pediatric Surgery
4. Diagnostic Services
AIIMS provides:
• MRI
• CT Scan
• PET Scan
• Ultrasound
• Endoscopy
• Biopsy
• Genetic testing
• Histopathology
5. Emergency & Trauma Care
AIIMS New Delhi houses India’s best Trauma Centre, known for rapid critical care services.
6. Organ Transplant Programs
AIIMS performs:
• Kidney transplant
• Liver transplant
• Bone marrow transplant
• Heart transplant
7. Telemedicine Services
AIIMS uses digital platforms for:
• Online consultations
• Remote diagnosis
• Virtual OPD
8. Preventive Health Services
Such as:
• Vaccinations
• Health screening camps
• Wellness programs
Courses Offered at AIIMS
AIIMS offers numerous academic programs:
Undergraduate Courses
• MBBS
• B.Sc Nursing (Hons)
• B.Sc (Paramedical)
Postgraduate Courses
• MD (Doctor of Medicine)
• MS (Master of Surgery)
• MDS (Dental)
• M.Sc Nursing
• M.Sc Paramedical
Super-Specialty Programs
• DM
• M.Ch
Doctoral Programs
• PhD in various disciplines
Short-term Certification Courses
• Critical care
• Emergency medicine
• Laboratory training
• Nursing specialization courses
Admissions in AIIMS
MBBS Admissions
Admission to MBBS is based on:
• NEET (UG) score
• All India Quota counseling
Seats vary across AIIMS, but typically around 20–120 seats per institute.
PG Admissions (MD/MS/DM/MCh)
Through:
• INICET – conducted twice a year
Nursing Admissions
B.Sc and M.Sc Nursing admissions through:
• AIIMS Nursing Entrance Exam
AIIMS as a Centre for Medical Research in India
AIIMS is a pioneer in:
• Cancer research
• Heart disease innovations
• Stem cell research
• Robotic surgery
• Epidemiological studies
• Vaccine development
• Public health research
AIIMS New Delhi alone publishes thousands of research papers annually.
AIIMS and Digitization
AIIMS is adopting:
• AI-based diagnostic tools
• Telemedicine
• Digital health records
• Robotics-assisted surgery
• Smart patient management systems
Role of AIIMS During Pandemics and Emergencies
AIIMS plays a frontline role during:
• COVID-19
• Nipah virus outbreaks
• Vector-borne disease management
• Disaster medical responses
It develops national treatment guidelines and conducts public health research.
Why AIIMS is the Most Trusted Healthcare Brand in India
Reasons include:
• Top-quality medical care
• Experienced specialists
• Advanced medical technology
• Affordable treatment
• Comprehensive medical research
• Training of India’s best doctors and nurses
Challenges Faced by AIIMS
Despite excellence, AIIMS faces:
• High patient load
• Limited seats
• Infrastructure demands
• Need for more specialists
• Long waiting times in some departments
Future Scope and Expansion of AIIMS
The government plans to:
• Establish more AIIMS-like institutes
• Increase medical seats
• Improve telemedicine
• Expand super-specialty care in rural areas
• Introduce AI-driven healthcare systems
Conclusion
AIIMS represents the backbone of India’s healthcare and medical education system. It revolutionizes patient care, medical training, and research while ensuring affordable and accessible services. With the growing number of AIIMS institutions across India, world-class healthcare is now reaching regional and rural populations, making AIIMS a symbol of trust and excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many AIIMS are there in India?
There are 24 AIIMS in India, including functional and developing institutions.
2. Which is the first AIIMS in India?
AIIMS New Delhi, established in 1956.
3. Which ministry controls AIIMS?
AIIMS is controlled by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
4. What courses are offered at AIIMS?
MBBS, B.Sc Nursing, MD, MS, M.Ch, DM, PhD, paramedical degrees, and certificate courses.
5. How can I get admission to AIIMS MBBS?
Through the NEET-UG exam.
6. Does AIIMS offer free treatment?
Many services are subsidized or low-cost, but not entirely free.
7. What specialties are available at AIIMS?
Cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, nephrology, and more than 50 specialties.
8. What is the full form of AIIMS?
All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group)