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.