Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): AIIMS Bhopal, Emergency Medicine (TEM) Department witnessed a consistent and remarkable increase in patient footfall.

In 2022, the TEM department catered to 36,696 patients, which rose to 54,500 in 2023—a 48.5% increase from the previous year. In 2024, this number further surged to 85,435 patients, marking a 56.7% increase over 2023.

This upward trend clearly demonstrates the increasing dependence of the community on AIIMS Bhopal for emergency healthcare services.

Key reforms implemented in the TEM Department include 24x7 on-floor availability of senior doctors, a "No Refusal Policy", time-bound interdepartmental response protocols, and a documented, trackable referral system with strict escalation procedures.

To prioritize critical cases during off-hours, external referrals are now screened to accept only life-threatening conditions. Furthermore, all stable patients are mandatorily transferred to relevant departments within 48 hours, ensuring optimal bed utilization.

Enhanced coordination with inpatient units has streamlined the patient transfer process, while the introduction of a digitized bed management system enables real-time tracking of occupancy and faster decision-making.

The department has also increased its surgical volume with the allocation of dedicated emergency OT slots and strengthened ICU support for emergency and complex surgical cases. To ensure efficient facility management and smooth operations, two dedicated Deputy Medical Superintendents (DMS) have been appointed exclusively for the TEM department.

The integration of on- site medico-legal services has reduced delays and improved documentation accuracy, while 24x7 access to STAT labs ensures timely availability of critical diagnostics, allowing for quicker clinical decisions and interventions. Additionally, the introduction of academic and training programs in TEM is helping to build capacity and promote excellence in emergency care.

AIIMS Director  Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh said: “Emergency care forms the backbone of any tertiary healthcare institution. At AIIMS Bhopal, we are committed to delivering fast, compassionate, and protocol-driven trauma and emergency services that save lives. The reforms implemented in the TEM Department reflect our vision of accessible, accountable, and advanced emergency care.”