AIIMS Bhopal Expands Digital Services, Plans PET-CT, Gamma Knife & Robotic Surgery

The AIIMS Bhopal WhatsApp Health Services allows patients to book outpatient department (OPD) appointments, link their ABHA health ID, access laboratory reports, and obtain birth and death certificates.

AIIMS Bhopal has launched a 24/7 WhatsApp-based health service that enables patients to access around 10 routine hospital services digitally, while the institute is preparing to add specialized facilities including PET-CT, Gamma Knife and robotic surgery by the end of 2026.

The AIIMS Bhopal WhatsApp Health Services allows patients to book outpatient department (OPD) appointments, link their ABHA health ID, access laboratory reports and obtain birth and death certificates. Patients can also view discharge summaries, billing details, patient information and prescriptions, and make OPD-related inquiries through WhatsApp.

The service is intended to reduce the need for patients to visit the hospital for routine administrative and information-related requirements. It is available around the clock, including for patients who travel to AIIMS Bhopal to book appointments, collect reports or certificates, or seek basic information.

AIIMS Bhopal Director Dr. Narendra Kotwal said the institute is also expanding its specialized medical and diagnostic infrastructure. A PET-CT machine and Gamma Knife facility are planned, along with the introduction of robotic surgery. These facilities are expected to become operational by the end of 2026.

Work is also underway on an additional cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab). AIIMS Bhopal aims to have two cath labs, two MRI machines and two linear accelerators (LINACs) operational by next year.

The institute is nearing completion of procurement for a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), which will enable doctors to electronically access diagnostic images and reports. The system is part of the institute's move toward a paperless and digitally integrated hospital.

Procurement of a virtual autopsy center is also nearing completion. The facility will use CT scans to examine internal injuries and other conditions and is expected to support cases involving accidents, legal investigations and unnatural deaths.

AIIMS Bhopal is additionally setting up an extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) facility for kidney and urinary tract stones. The machine is expected to be installed within two months and will enable suitable patients to undergo treatment without surgical incisions.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News