The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is preparing to expand its smart card-based payment system—currently implemented only at its Delhi campus—to all its branches across the country.
This initiative falls under the Centre’s “One AIIMS, One Card” programme, which aims to promote cashless transactions and simplify financial processes for patients.
Launched in February 2024, the AIIMS smart card was developed in collaboration with the State Bank of India. It is designed to streamline payments for consultations, diagnostic tests, and other hospital services. The card is digitally linked to the patient’s Unique Health Identification Number (UHID) and Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), ensuring a unified platform for tracking healthcare expenses.
According to officials, preparations are in progress to implement the system at other AIIMS institutes as part of a standardised national model. Once in place, patients will be able to use the same smart card at any AIIMS facility across India.
In addition to promoting digital and cashless payments, the smart card is expected to enhance convenience, particularly for patients travelling from distant states. It eliminates the need to carry physical cash and allows family members to deposit funds remotely—even during emergencies.
“The smart card enables digital top-ups from anywhere in the country, making it particularly beneficial for patients in rural or remote areas who may not have access to traditional banking services,” a hospital official explained.
The project was first piloted in December 2023, starting with use by hospital staff at the cafeteria. It was later extended to patients in the maternal and child block and is currently being rolled out across all departments at AIIMS Delhi.
While digital payment options like UPI, debit, and credit cards are already available at AIIMS Delhi, the smart card offers a dedicated, integrated solution. Patients can maintain a prepaid balance on the card to pay for a wide range of services within the hospital ecosystem.