Delhi Government Launches Plan for New Super Medical Hub

The Delhi Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a “super medical hub” in the capital by integrating three significant public healthcare institutions. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the proposal, which aims to unify the Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, the Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI), and the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) into a single autonomous entity similar to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). This initiative is intended to enhance super-speciality services and optimize the existing medical infrastructure in the city.

During a review meeting held at the Delhi Secretariat, attended by Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh and senior officials, the Chief Minister emphasized the necessity of effectively using available resources. “Strengthening healthcare in the capital requires the scientific and efficient use of available resources,” she stated. Gupta elaborated that integrating these institutions would improve the utilization of doctors, specialists, medical equipment, and infrastructure, leading to more organized and advanced treatment for patients.

A critical aspect of the proposal is addressing the uneven hospital capacity across the three institutions. The Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital has a total capacity of 650 beds, but only approximately 250 beds are operational, leaving nearly 400 beds unused. In contrast, both GTB Hospital and the DSCI are currently handling patient loads that exceed their capacities. GTB Hospital, designed for about 1,400 beds, is operating with over 1,500 beds in use, accommodating more than 14 lakh outpatient visits annually and nearly 95,000 inpatient cases. The DSCI also experiences significant demand, managing around 1.27 lakh outpatient visits each year.

Once the institutions are integrated, the Chief Minister stated that super-speciality services would be more systematically allocated among the hospitals, ensuring patients receive the most appropriate specialist care. Under this plan, RGSSH will enhance its departments, focusing on areas such as cardiology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology. The DSCI will serve as the primary hub for cancer care, consolidating services like radiation oncology and palliative care, while GTB Hospital will continue to strengthen its departments, including orthopaedics and neurosurgery.

Gupta articulated a broader vision for healthcare in the capital, saying, “The goal of this initiative is to build world-class healthcare facilities in Delhi and transform the capital into a major centre of medical excellence in the country.”

In addition to the medical hub, the Delhi Government is planning to expand the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS). This institute will be developed similarly to the prestigious National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) located in Bengaluru. The plan includes transferring 75 acres of vacant land from IHBAS to GTB Hospital for the creation of a large integrated medical institute, which will feature hostels, advanced laboratories, and lecture theatres aimed at enhancing medical education and training.

“This initiative will not only provide patients with world-class specialized treatment but also position Delhi as a leader in medical research and education in the country,” Gupta concluded. The proposed changes reflect the Delhi Government’s commitment to improving healthcare services and addressing the growing needs of its population.