The Delhi government plans to merge three major public hospitals in East Delhi to create a single integrated “super medical hub.” Authorities aim to build this hub on the lines of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences model to deliver advanced and coordinated healthcare services.
The proposed integration will bring together Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi State Cancer Institute, and Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital. By combining their infrastructure, expertise, and services, the government intends to modernise Delhi’s public healthcare system and improve patient care.
Objective: Efficient Use of Medical Resources
The plan primarily focuses on improving the utilisation of existing resources. Currently, patient load remains unevenly distributed across government hospitals in the city. As a result, some hospitals operate beyond capacity while others struggle with underutilised facilities.
For example, Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital has a capacity of about 650 beds, but only around 250 beds are currently operational. In contrast, Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital handles more patients than its sanctioned capacity of about 1,400 beds and treats over 1,500 inpatients at a time.
Specialised Services to Be Distributed Across Hospitals
Under the proposed structure, each hospital will focus on specific medical specialities. This approach will help patients access specialised treatment more easily while reducing duplication of services.
- Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital will concentrate on cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, nephrology, urology, and related super-speciality departments.
- Delhi State Cancer Institute will serve as the main centre for cancer treatment, offering services such as radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and nuclear medicine.
- Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital will continue strengthening departments such as orthopaedics, internal medicine, neurosurgery, ENT, and ophthalmology.
Better Use of Advanced Medical Equipment
Currently, several hospitals possess advanced equipment that remains underutilised due to shortages of specialised staff or fragmented services. Therefore, the integrated model aims to maximise the use of available infrastructure.
For instance, the hospitals collectively have facilities such as cath labs, bronchoscopy units, linear accelerators for radiotherapy, and specialised labs. By integrating operations, administrators expect these resources to support more patients and deliver more efficient care.
As per The Economic Times, the move also aims to create a more organised system where patients can access specialised treatment within one coordinated healthcare network.
Expansion of Medical Education and Infrastructure
In addition to improving healthcare services, the government also plans to expand infrastructure for medical education and research. Authorities intend to develop hostels, laboratories, lecture theatres, and auditoriums to support training for healthcare professionals.
Furthermore, officials plan to use additional land near the hospital campuses to build new facilities and modern infrastructure, thereby strengthening the overall healthcare ecosystem in the region.
Strengthening Mental Healthcare
Alongside the hospital merger plan, the government also intends to upgrade the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences. The institute will be developed on the lines of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Bengaluru to enhance mental health services and research capabilities.
Conclusion
Overall, the proposed merger represents a significant step toward creating a modern, integrated healthcare system in Delhi. By pooling resources, expanding infrastructure, and focusing on specialised treatment, the government hopes to deliver more efficient and advanced medical services to the public.