New Delhi: Union Health Minister JP Nadda has called for improved healthcare infrastructure planning, adoption of best practices from leading medical institutions and stronger patient-focused services during a review of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in New Delhi.

The review focused on hospital infrastructure, clinical services, medical education, research and measures to improve healthcare delivery. Nadda emphasised that learning from established institutions can help strengthen planning and support more efficient hospital operations.

Mental Health Support for Medical Students and Faculty

Nadda highlighted the importance of protecting the mental well-being of medical students and faculty members. He stressed the need for supportive institutional environments, better interpersonal relationships and open communication to address stress associated with academic and professional responsibilities.

Access to appropriate mental health support can help medical institutions promote staff well-being while maintaining a positive learning environment.

Digital Health and Patient Navigation in Focus

The review also highlighted the role of digital healthcare in improving patient experience and hospital efficiency. Nadda called for stronger implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission at RML Hospital, including wider use of electronic prescriptions and other digital health services.

Project SARATHI, a youth-led public healthcare initiative, aims to make hospital visits easier by helping patients navigate services, improving outpatient department (OPD) processes and reducing non-clinical tasks for hospital staff.

RML Hospital’s Patient Care and Infrastructure Progress

RML Hospital reported approximately 19.4 lakh outpatient visits, more than 82,500 inpatient admissions and over 96,600 surgeries and procedures during 2025, according to the information shared in the report.

The institution has 30 clinical and patient-care departments, along with eight pre-clinical and para-clinical departments. In 2025, it also achieved full accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), becoming the first Central government-owned multi-speciality hospital to receive this distinction, as reported.

The review underlines the importance of integrating healthcare infrastructure planning, digital transformation, quality improvement and mental health support to strengthen public hospital services in India.

By MedGate Today Bureau