AIIMS Delhi takes measures on taxis overcharging patients for short trips
The AIIMS Delhi administration has unveiled a comprehensive plan to manage the entry of commercial passenger vehicles into the hospital campus in response to reports of exploitation by auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers targeting unsuspecting patients and their attendants.
Dr. Rima Dada, the professor in charge of the AIIMS Media cell, explained that the initiative is designed to establish a system that ensures fair and transparent transportation services for patients visiting the medical facility. The decision was prompted by revelations during routine patient interactions, indicating that some auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers have been overcharging patients for short trips within the AIIMS campus.
The move signals a commitment to address the challenges faced by patients in securing affordable and honest transportation services within the hospital premises. By regulating the entry of commercial vehicles, AIIMS aims to create an environment where patients and their attendants can access transportation without being subjected to unfair practices. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of enhancing the overall patient experience and ensuring accessibility to healthcare services in a transparent and equitable manner.
To address concerns related to commercial passenger vehicles (CPVs) and enhance the overall patient experience at AIIMS Delhi, the administration is introducing specific regulations and a fee system:
The fee structure entails that CPVs exiting the AIIMS campus within the initial 15 minutes will not face any charges. However, for those departing after this period, a fee of Rs 50 per half hour (inclusive of taxes) will be implemented upon exit.
A restriction on entry and exit will be imposed, allowing CPVs only one entry and one exit from the AIIMS campus per hour. Attempts to re-enter within an hour of the last exit will require CPVs to drop off passengers outside AIIMS gates, prohibiting their entry into the campus during that time frame.
The implementation of an automated number plate reader camera technology for the ticketing system is a key aspect. This technology will streamline the process without human intervention, automatically recording entry and exit times, calculating fares, and displaying them. CPV drivers will receive a receipt upon payment of fees.
The administration aims to have the new ticketing system commissioned by December 31, underscoring a commitment to prompt implementation.
Dr. Rima Dada emphasized that these measures align with AIIMS’s dedication to creating a patient-centric environment. The objective is to enhance the overall experience for individuals seeking medical care at the institute by introducing transparent, efficient, and equitable transportation regulations within the hospital campus.
AIIMS Delhi is actively implementing a series of initiatives to tackle issues related to commercial passenger vehicles (CPVs) and enhance the overall transportation experience for patients:
As part of this plan, prominent bilingual signages are set to be installed at all entry gates of AIIMS, both inside and outside the campus. These signages will provide comprehensive information about the availability, routes, and frequencies of electric shuttles. The intention behind this initiative is to empower patients with essential information, enabling them to make well-informed decisions regarding their transportation options within the hospital premises.
In addition to the signages, a modernized ticketing system based on number plate readers and cameras is being introduced to regulate the entry of CPVs. This automated system includes a feature that exempts CPVs from fees if they exit the AIIMS campus within a specific time frame (15 minutes). This provision is designed to facilitate the swift pick-up or drop-off of passengers by CPVs, ensuring that short-duration visits do not incur additional financial burdens.
These combined efforts highlight AIIMS Delhi’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by patients and their attendants in securing reliable, transparent, and cost-effective transportation services within the hospital campus. The incorporation of modern technologies, such as number plate reader cameras, underscores the institution’s dedication to leveraging innovation for the benefit of individuals seeking medical care at AIIMS.
