AIIMS Delhi to shut OPD services from April 22, switch to teleconsultation amid COVID surge

New Delhi: Amid the surge in Covid-19, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Monday announced it was shutting its physical OPD services from April 22 and postponing routine admissions of patients in view to augment resources for the treatment of Covid-19 patients.

"It has been decided to temporarily switch over from physical consultations of OPD patients in morning OPDs as well as specialty clinics in AIIMS Hospital and all centers to teleconsultations with effect from Thursday, April 22, 2021.

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The decision has been taken in view of the increased need to minimize the possibility of community spread of ongoing Covid-19 epidemic and also to optimise diversion of available manpower and materials resources for the treatment of suspected/confirmed patients of Covid-19 and also considering the situation of total curfew announced by the Delhi government," a circular issued by AIIMS Medical Superintendent, Dr D.K. Sharma, read.

"Emergency patients who require inpatient hospitalization in general wards or such patients who are advised private wards hospitalization owing to emergency/semi emergency condition, will continue to be admitted," it added.

"Notwithstanding above, EHS patients will continue to be hospitalised as clinically warranted," it also noted. With increasing Covid cases in capital, Delhi government has imposed a 6 days lockdown, which will come into effect from 10 p.m. on Monday and will remain in force till April 26.

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