Delhi: AIIMS and Rotary launch free burn reconstructive surgeries for patients

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, in partnership with Rotaplast International, USA, and the Rotary Club of Delhi–Restoring Smiles, launched the “Rotary Restoring Smiles: International Reconstructive Surgery Mission & Education Clinic” on August 19. The program, which runs until August 29, aims to provide free reconstructive surgeries to underprivileged patients suffering from burn scars and contractures.

India sees an estimated 6–7 million burn injuries each year, with 20% requiring hospitalisation. Of those admitted, approximately 80% develop complications related to burns. AIIMS New Delhi, recognised as a Centre of Excellence in Burns, is at the forefront of providing comprehensive care, with its Burns & Plastic Surgery (BPS) Block handling around 10,000 outpatient cases annually and admitting over 2,000 burn patients.

The mission will focus on reconstructing burn scars, helping restore not just physical appearance but also confidence and dignity to those affected. A team of distinguished surgeons and anaesthesiologists from the USA, UK, Philippines, Netherlands, and AIIMS New Delhi will perform surgeries on more than 50 patients. Over 110 patients have already registered, with 40% being beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY).

In addition to the surgeries, the initiative includes an education clinic where senior residents in plastic surgery and anaesthesiology, as well as nursing students, will receive hands-on training from international experts. The collaboration underscores AIIMS’s commitment to blending patient care with medical education, with the goal of advancing both immediate healing and long-term skill-building.

Also read: UG, PG medical seats may increase by around 8,000 this academic year: NMC chief

Dr Nirupam Madan, Medical Superintendent of AIIMS, emphasised the importance of combining humanitarian service with academic excellence. “Beyond healing patients, this mission will strengthen the skills of our young doctors and ensure quality care for future generations,” she said.

Dr Maneesh Singhal, Head of the BPS Block at AIIMS, added, “This programme is not just about correcting physical deformities but also restoring the emotional well-being of patients. The training provided to our residents and nursing students will have a lasting impact on medical education in India.”

Gaurav Ahuja, Project Convener of Rotary Restoring Smiles, highlighted the transformative power of service: “This initiative reflects Rotary’s vision of giving hope to those often left behind while simultaneously shaping the future of medical care through education and training.”

Rotaplast International, a US-based non-profit with over 260 surgical missions across 26 countries, has been instrumental in providing life-changing care to thousands of patients. Dr Sangita Seshadri, Mission Director of Rotaplast, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, “Each surgery is not just medical treatment; it’s an opportunity for patients to reclaim their lives.”

The mission is supported by various Rotary clubs, including RC Delhi Restoring Smiles, RC Delhi Midwest, RC Delhi Panchshila Park, RC Delhi Millennium, RC Delhi Compassion & Hope, and RC Delhi Heights. Project Mentor HMP Singh reflected on the long journey to this mission’s realisation: “Seeing this dream come to life, with the support of AIIMS, Rotaplast, and Rotary, fills me with immense pride and gratitude.”

The “Rotary Restoring Smiles” mission is set to provide critical medical care while simultaneously enhancing medical education, shaping the next generation of healers, and restoring hope and smiles to those in need.