Heavy Rains in Delhi Cause AIIMS Neurosciences Centre to Halt Surgeries

Heavy rains in Delhi on Friday led to waterlogging, which affected the operation theatres (OTs) at the Neurosciences Centre of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi. According to a notice from AIIMS Delhi dated June 28, the OTs became non-functional due to non-working air-conditioning and water seepage from the walls.

As a result, neurosurgeries were halted, and patients were referred to Safdarjung Hospital or other government hospitals. This decision was made after discussions with the Nursing Superintendent, the Master of Surgery, 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.”

Further details from the AIIMS administration are awaited. Meanwhile, heavy rains continued to lash parts of Delhi-NCR for the second consecutive day, causing waterlogging, traffic jams, and rain-related accidents. The Delhi government held an emergency meeting to tackle the situation. Minister Atishi mentioned that the government has identified 200 hotspots prone to waterlogging, attributing the issue to excessive rainfall exceeding the capacity of drains.