By News Karnataka
Copyright newskarnataka
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has launched a mobile navigation application, AIIMS DISHA, to help patients and visitors find their way around the sprawling hospital complex. The app, designed to function like an indoor Google Maps, was unveiled on September 12 by AIIMS President and Union Health Minister J P Nadda, according to officials from the institute.
Dr Rima Dada, Professor of Anatomy and Media In-charge at AIIMS, said the app will significantly ease movement for patients and caregivers who often struggle to reach their destinations within the vast campus. “AIIMS is spread over a very large area, and it is difficult for people to navigate from one centre to another. The DISHA app will make it much easier for patients and their caregivers to reach the right location,” she told ANI.
Features of the app
The DISHA app, available in both Hindi and English, is equipped with advanced indoor navigation features. It uses Bluetooth low-energy-based beacons installed along hospital corridors to guide users step by step to their desired location.
Explaining the technology, Dr Dada said, “The app is based on artificial intelligence and can even generate a heat map. If there is crowding at a particular point, it will suggest the easiest route.”
From outpatient departments (OPDs) and diagnostic centres to pharmacies and billing counters, the app ensures that patients and visitors can move across different sections of AIIMS smoothly, without unnecessary confusion or delay.
Addressing a long-standing challenge
AIIMS Delhi, being one of India’s premier healthcare institutions, caters to thousands of patients daily from across the country. The size and complexity of the campus, which includes multiple specialised centres, OPD blocks, and diagnostic facilities, has often been a source of difficulty for patients, particularly first-time visitors.
The new mobile application is expected to bridge this gap by acting as a real-time guide within the hospital. Officials said the app’s introduction will also reduce stress and save time for patients, who frequently miss appointments or spend long hours locating departments.
Use of AI for crowd management
One of the unique features of AIIMS DISHA is its ability to generate heat maps of crowded areas, thanks to the network of Bluetooth beacons and AI-based algorithms. This will help users avoid congested routes and take alternative paths within the hospital.
According to AIIMS, the feature will also assist hospital administration in monitoring patient flow, allowing them to manage bottlenecks more efficiently and improve the overall patient experience.
Language accessibility
Recognising the diversity of patients visiting the hospital, the app has been designed to function in both Hindi and English. Officials said that more regional language support may be added in the future to make it accessible to patients from different parts of the country.
Future potential
Officials hinted that the app could later be integrated with appointment systems, OPD schedules, and pharmacy updates to provide a complete digital guide for patients. Dr Dada said that AIIMS would continue to expand the app’s features to further improve patient convenience.
The launch of the AIIMS DISHA app marks a significant step in harnessing digital tools to improve patient care and experience. By combining indoor navigation technology, AI-based crowd mapping, and user-friendly features, the app is expected to greatly reduce confusion for patients and visitors navigating one of India’s busiest hospitals.
