Health Minister Reviews Sanitation and Waste Management at AIIMS Delhi

New Delhi, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda visited the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Thursday to review sanitation and waste management initiatives under Special Campaign-6.

During his visit, Nadda inspected the newly constructed patient waiting lounge at the AIIMS Trauma Center Extension Campus. Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Ghaziabad as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, this facility aims to serve as a shelter for patients and their families.

The minister met with sanitation workers, praising their vital role in maintaining a clean and safe hospital environment. He was briefed on various sanitation activities undertaken by AIIMS, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness, waste management, and the maintenance of the institute’s premises.

AIIMS has implemented several significant measures to enhance sanitation, including regular deep cleaning, dedicated cleaning staff for emergency and outpatient department restrooms, and special end-of-day cleanings for outpatient areas. Ongoing training for cleaning personnel, timely salary payments, and monitoring of cleaning materials and equipment are also part of their strategy.

The institute has made notable strides in water and energy conservation as well. It operates 11 wastewater treatment plants, utilizing approximately 1.96 million liters of treated water daily for gardening. Energy-saving measures have resulted in a reduction of 768,000 kilowatt-hours in electricity consumption, translating to a 10.5% decrease. From January to October 2025, this led to savings of about ₹1.98 crore in electricity costs.

To promote sustainable transport, AIIMS offers 40 free electric vehicle shuttle services for patients and their families, alongside the establishment of 30 EV charging stations and 114 dedicated power points monitored by a smart system.

Nadda later returned to inspect the new patient waiting lounge, which spans 2,970 square meters and accommodates 897 individuals. The facility includes primary and secondary waiting areas, entrances and exits, ramps, restrooms, and other essential amenities. It is designed to provide safe, dignified, and weather-protected temporary housing for economically disadvantaged patients and their families.

Currently, AIIMS operates a 24-hour humanitarian assistance center through its “Aashray” initiative, offering support to patients and their families, especially those traveling from outside Delhi.

During his visit, Nadda expressed appreciation for the contributions of sanitation workers, emphasizing their crucial role in delivering clean and safe health services. His tour highlighted the ongoing importance of sanitation, effective waste management, and improved facilities for patients in public health institutions. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reiterated its commitment to fostering a culture of cleanliness through Special Campaign-6, promoting better management practices and patient-centered health services.