AIIMS-Delhi has launched the "Ashray" facility, a night shelter for patients and their attendants, with support from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). This initiative aims to provide safe shelter, comfort, and dignity to those who often spend nights waiting outside the hospital for outpatient department (OPD) services.
The Ashray facility addresses the issue of overcrowding and patients waiting on pavements or hospital grounds in difficult conditions. Dr. M Srinivas, Director of AIIMS-Delhi, emphasized that this initiative ensures patients no longer have to endure such hardships.
Eco-friendly electric shuttle buses are used to transport patients arriving at night to the Ashray facility. Upon arrival, each patient receives a token number, maintaining the order of reporting for OPD registration the next day. This system ensures a smooth and orderly registration process, eliminating the stress of early morning queues.
The facility provides free food, clean blankets, and access to hygienic toilets for patients and their attendants, ensuring basic comfort and preserving their dignity during their stay. The next morning, the electric vehicles transport the patients back to their respective OPDs.
With a capacity of approximately 250 individuals, the Ashray facility is currently operating at full utilization, indicating a significant demand for such services among patients visiting AIIMS. Officials have noted a visible reduction in patient discomfort and improved crowd management around OPD registration areas since the facility's implementation. There are potential plans to expand the facility in the future, depending on space availability and increasing demand.
Prior to the Ashray facility, AIIMS provided accommodation for patients and attendants in three Dharamshalas with 412 beds, following a Supreme Court order in 2012. These Dharamshalas, namely Rajgarhia Vishram Sadan, Satya Sai Vishram Sadan, and Surekha Vishram Sadan, also cater to patients and attendants of Safdarjung Hospital. In 2012, AIIMS also provided a temporary shelter that could accommodate 250 people.
The operationalization of the Ashray facility represents a significant step towards strengthening patient-centric healthcare at AIIMS-Delhi.
