The Neurosciences Centre at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi faced significant disruptions on Friday due to heavy rains causing waterlogging. A notice dated June 28 revealed that all operation theatres (OTs) at the centre were rendered non-functional. The notice, as reported by ANI, attributed this to issues with air-conditioning systems and water seepage from the walls. This incident likely caused disruptions to scheduled surgeries and medical procedures, highlighting the infrastructure challenges faced during extreme weather events in Delhi.
The impact was further exacerbated by the suspension of neurosurgeries, with patients being referred to Safdarjung Hospital or other government hospitals. This decision was made after a discussion involving the Nursing Superintendent, the Master of Surgery of the CN Centre, and the Chief of the CN Centre. The notice stated, “As per discussion with the NS OT Sister in-charge, MS (CNC), and the chief CN Centre, all the OTs are non-functional due to the non-functioning of the air-conditioning and also water seepage from the walls. Hence, no case can be operated on, any patients coming to an emergency requiring surgery, the same kindly be referred to either Safdarjung or any other government hospital. If there is a case, which has to be done urgently, may kindly be taken up in the trauma centre after discussing it with the concerned faculty.”
AIIMS Media Procol In-Charge Rima Dada confirmed that heavy rain resulted in severe waterlogging in parts of the hospital, particularly in the basement of the Trauma Centre, where generators and other equipment are located. She explained that while OTs were initially shut down, four life-threatening surgeries were performed. The director and Additional Director assessed the situation, but a power cut by NDMC forced the closure of operation theatres until 4 PM. Once power was restored, surgeries resumed throughout the night. Waterlogging clearance efforts are underway, but the Trauma Centre’s OT remains inactive, with operations expected to restart once electrical engineers deem it safe.
The heavy rainfall has brought about widespread waterlogging, traffic jams, accidents, casualties, and injuries in Delhi. The city’s government responded with an emergency meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to address the situation. Delhi Minister Atishi stated that 200 hotspots prone to waterlogging have been identified, attributing the problem to rainfall exceeding the drainage capacity.
