Rajkot, May 22 (IANS) All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rajkot is emerging as a major healthcare hub for the Saurashtra region, with the institute reporting a sharp rise in critical surgeries and patient footfall since its super speciality hospital became operational in February 2024.

Spread across nearly 200 acres, AIIMS Rajkot currently offers 22 speciality and six super speciality medical services under one roof. The foundation stone of the institute was laid in December 2020.

Hospital authorities said the expansion of advanced medical facilities has enabled patients from Rajkot and nearby districts to access specialised treatment locally instead of travelling to Ahmedabad or other metropolitan cities.

According to figures released by the institute, around 180 critical surgeries are now being performed every month. While 861 operations were conducted at the hospital in 2024, the number increased to 1,927 in 2025.

Officials attributed the rise to the availability of modular operation theatres, intensive care units equipped with life support systems and specialised departments capable of handling complex medical procedures.

Complex surgeries related to neurosurgery and urology are now being performed at the institute, reducing dependence on larger urban hospitals for advanced treatment.

Patients visiting the hospital said the facilities and affordability of treatment have benefited families from middle-income and economically weaker sections.

Mayuri Morjaria, a patient at AIIMS Rajkot, said she received timely treatment and found the hospital facilities accessible.

Another patient, Shraddha, said: “The availability of multiple departments and doctors at one location had made treatment easier for patients travelling from outside Rajkot.”

Dr L. N. Dorairajan, Executive Director of AIIMS Rajkot, emphasised that the institute was working to strengthen advanced healthcare delivery while ensuring treatment remained affordable for patients.

The hospital has also implemented an electronic medical record system developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, enabling doctors to access patients’ medical history, diagnostic reports and treatment records digitally.

Officials said the system has reduced the need for patients to carry physical files during consultations and follow-up visits.

Diagnostic and laboratory facilities, including CT scan and 3 Tesla MRI services, are available at affordable rates at the institute.

Hospital officials said patients are required to obtain a card costing Rs 10, after which they can consult doctors in any department throughout the year.

In cases of accidents and medical emergencies, patients are provided completely free treatment during the first 24 hours of admission.

AIIMS Rajkot is also expanding its medical education infrastructure. From the 2025-26 academic year, the number of MBBS seats at the institute has been increased from 50 to 75.

According to hospital authorities, AIIMS Rajkot has so far treated more than 8.5 lakh patients since becoming operational, with the institute increasingly serving as a referral centre for specialised and critical healthcare services across Saurashtra.

–IANS

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