Newly established All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) across the country have recorded more than 6 crore Outpatient Department (OPD) consultations since 2021-22, marking a significant expansion in access to specialised healthcare services. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the cumulative number of OPD consultations reached approximately 6.01 crore as of October 31, 2026.
The growing patient footfall highlights the increasing role of these institutions in providing advanced medical facilities and specialised treatment closer to people's homes. The expansion is part of the government's efforts to strengthen India's public healthcare infrastructure and reduce regional disparities in access to affordable and dependable tertiary medical services.
22 New AIIMS Approved, 18 Now Fully Operational
Under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), the Government of India has approved 22 new AIIMS in different phases across the country. Of these, 18 institutions have become fully functional and are providing a wide range of healthcare, medical education and research services.
These institutions offer facilities covering Outpatient Departments (OPD), Inpatient Departments (IPD), emergency and trauma care, diagnostic services and specialised medical treatment. Alongside patient care, they are also contributing to the development of medical education and research infrastructure.
The expansion of the AIIMS network is intended to address the uneven distribution of advanced healthcare facilities, particularly in regions where access to specialised treatment has traditionally been limited.
OPD Consultations Witness Continuous Growth
The increasing demand for services at the newly established AIIMS is evident from their year-wise OPD figures. Patient consultations have grown steadily over the last five years, reflecting the expanding reach and utilisation of these institutions.
The year-wise figures are as follows:
| Financial Year |
OPD Consultations |
| 2021-22 |
50.03 lakh |
| 2022-23 |
77.95 lakh |
| 2023-24 |
100.52 lakh |
| 2024-25 |
129.98 lakh |
| 2025-26 |
144.96 lakh |
| 2026-27 (up to October 2026) |
97.41 lakh |
| Cumulative Total |
Approximately 6.01 crore |
The figures indicate a substantial rise in patient consultations, from 50.03 lakh in 2021-22 to 144.96 lakh in 2025-26. During the current financial year 2026-27, the institutions have already registered another 97.41 lakh OPD consultations up to October.
This steady increase points towards the growing utilisation of specialised public healthcare facilities and the importance of strengthening medical infrastructure to meet the rising demand for treatment.
Boost to Medical Education and Research
Beyond healthcare delivery, the new AIIMS institutions are also playing an important role in expanding educational opportunities in the medical sector. They are offering undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, along with nursing courses, helping strengthen the availability of trained healthcare professionals.
The institutions are also developing specialised clinical departments, advanced treatment facilities and research capabilities. These developments are expected to contribute to better medical training, improved clinical practices and a stronger healthcare research ecosystem.
Strengthening India's Tertiary Healthcare Network
The expansion of AIIMS under PMSSY represents an important component of India's efforts to improve access to quality healthcare. By establishing advanced medical institutions in different parts of the country, the government aims to reduce the burden on existing major hospitals and provide patients with more accessible options for specialised treatment.
The achievement of over 6 crore OPD consultations demonstrates the growing reach of the new AIIMS network. With further development of medical facilities, academic programmes and research infrastructure, these institutions are expected to play an increasingly important role in strengthening India's public healthcare system.
The focus remains on making specialised treatment, quality medical education and advanced research facilities more accessible to people across different regions of the country.