Nadda Pushes Digital Health, Mental Wellness at RML Hospital

New Delhi, October 23: Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed the functioning of two major premier institutions in the capital on Friday, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML Hospital). The review covered patient care, specialised services and the expansion of physical infrastructure.

During the meeting, Nadda observed that planning large health infrastructure projects calls for drawing on the knowledge and proven working methods of established institutions.

Digital health was a major theme. Nadda asked RML Hospital to deploy the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) more effectively. This means following ABDM guidelines, promoting the use of e-prescriptions across the hospital and adding other digital health services to improve patient care and the delivery of services.

Mental health was another key concern. Nadda said students and faculty need priority attention, noting how stress can shape their academic and professional lives. He favoured a supportive atmosphere, open conversations and sustained mental health assistance.

The hospital already holds regular mental health screenings for students and health check-ups for faculty members. The minister encouraged the institute to introduce 'Project Sarthi', terming it an important step.

He also went through the hospital's recent achievements and the projects lined up ahead.

A presentation gave him an overview of clinical services, medical education, research activities and quality improvement programmes. It showed that patient numbers are climbing. In 2025, RML Hospital logged 19.4 lakh outpatient visits, over 82,500 admissions and more than 96,600 surgeries and other procedures.

The hospital has 30 clinical and patient-care departments, along with eight pre-clinical and para-clinical departments.

Nadda further reviewed the work carried out under 'Special Campaign 6'. He stressed making cleanliness part of institutional routine, reducing pending work, improving record management and keeping the hospital clean, hygienic and friendly to patients.