New Delhi: Even after more than 35 hours, AIIMS authorities have failed to restore online services, which were hit after a ransomware attack on its servers on Wednesday morning. All services, including registration, admission, discharge and billing, are being done manually at the hospital — causing long delays.
Anuj Verma, a patient’s attendant from Azamgarh, told TOI that the doctor had prescribed an MRI for his sister for a suspected prolapsed disc during their last visit to AIIMS, as she had severe pain in the lower back. Verma said they couldn’t see the doctor even after they reached on time as the whole day was spent on billing and the test.
“Though MRI was done on time, billing took hours due to the long queue. Everything was being done manually,” he said.
Many people complained about not getting online appointments and said that there was a delay in getting their reports. They said they were asked to wait for hours or were told to visit some other day.
AIIMS Delhi has a footfall of around 10,000 patients from across the country in its OPD every day. However, fewer patients visit the hospital on Thursday, as compared to normal days, said a staff member at the OPD counter.
A patient’s sister, Shalini Rastogi, who had come to the hospital to take an appointment, claimed that she did not get an appointment as the server was down.
“We will visit again as my sister has been suffering from acute stomachache for the past few days. We can’t wait here endlessly,” she said.
Meanwhile, AIIMS authorities issued a statement on Thursday stating that various government agencies were investigating the matter in order to restore digital patient care services. “We hope to be able to restore the affected activities soon,” said officials, adding that all emergency and routine patient care services and lab services are being managed manually.
The server of AIIMS Delhi has been down since 7 am on Wednesday.