New Delhi: In a major step towards making healthcare more humane and patient-centric, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, has operationalised a dedicated night-shelter facility named Ashray for patients and their attendants. The initiative, supported by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), is aimed at providing safe shelter, basic comfort, and dignity to those who otherwise spend long and uncomfortable nights waiting outside the hospital for outpatient department (OPD) services.

The facility has been designed to address a long-standing and visible challenge at AIIMS-Delhi—overcrowding and overnight queues of patients who arrive from distant places and are forced to wait on pavements, footpaths, or hospital corridors to secure an early OPD registration. With Ashray now operational, such patients no longer need to endure harsh weather conditions or unsafe environments while waiting for medical care.

AIIMS-Delhi Director Dr M Srinivas said the initiative reflects the institution’s commitment to strengthening patient-centric healthcare delivery. “Ashray ensures that patients are not compelled to wait overnight on pavements or hospital premises under difficult conditions. It is a step towards providing comfort, safety, and dignity to those seeking treatment at AIIMS,” he said.

Under the new system, patients who arrive at the hospital during the night are proactively identified by staff and transported to the Ashray facility using eco-friendly electric shuttle buses. This organised approach ensures that vulnerable patients, including the elderly and those with serious ailments, are guided to a secure space rather than left to fend for themselves.

Upon arrival at the shelter, each patient is issued a token number based on the order in which they reported. This token system plays a crucial role in maintaining fairness and reducing anxiety, as the same sequence is honoured during OPD registration the following day. By guaranteeing that patients will not lose their place in line, the facility eliminates the need for overnight queuing and jostling for registration slots in the early hours of the morning.

The Ashray facility offers a range of essential services free of cost. Patients and their attendants are provided with meals, clean blankets, and access to hygienic toilet facilities, ensuring basic comfort during their stay. These amenities are intended not only to meet physical needs but also to preserve the dignity of individuals who are often already under emotional and financial stress due to illness.

The following morning, patients are transported back to their respective OPDs in electric vehicles. This organised movement allows for smooth and orderly registration, sparing patients the stress of standing in long queues or rushing to secure a place. According to officials, this structured flow has significantly improved crowd management around OPD registration areas, which have historically been prone to congestion and chaos.

With a current capacity of around 250 individuals, the Ashray facility is operating at full utilisation, indicating strong demand for such support services among patients visiting the country’s premier medical institution. AIIMS officials noted that the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with many patients expressing relief at having a safe and comfortable place to stay overnight.

Officials also said that the initiative has already resulted in a visible reduction in patient discomfort and improved overall orderliness within the hospital परिसर, particularly during early morning OPD hours. The reduction in overnight crowds outside OPD blocks has also contributed to better security and cleanliness around the hospital.

Given the high demand, authorities indicated that the Ashray facility could be expanded in the future, subject to the availability of space and resources. An expansion would allow a larger number of patients and attendants to benefit from the service, especially those travelling from far-flung regions who often reach Delhi late at night.

In a statement, AIIMS said the Ashray initiative stands out as a model intervention in public healthcare delivery, as it combines compassionate care with sustainable transport solutions and structured patient flow management. The use of electric shuttle buses aligns with environmental sustainability goals while also ensuring efficient and quiet transport within hospital premises.

The institute added that thoughtful administrative measures such as Ashray can significantly enhance the patient experience, even in high-pressure public healthcare settings. By addressing not just medical needs but also issues of comfort, safety, and dignity, the initiative sets a potential benchmark for hospitals across the country.

As India’s healthcare system grapples with high patient loads and limited resources, the Ashray facility highlights how targeted, well-planned interventions can make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. AIIMS-Delhi’s move is being seen as an example of how large public hospitals can balance efficiency with empathy, reinforcing the idea that healthcare extends beyond treatment to the overall well-being of those who seek it.