On March 12, 2025, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi after a three-day stay prompted by chest pain and uneasiness.
Admitted on March 9, the 73-year-old leader received cardiac treatment and made a satisfactory recovery under expert care. Doctors have advised him to take “adequate rest” as he steps back into his duties, marking a moment of relief for the nation.
The news of Vice President Dhankhar’s discharge comes as a welcome update following days of concern over his health. The incident began in the early hours of Sunday, March 9, when he was rushed to AIIMS around 2 a.m. after experiencing discomfort that alarmed his staff and family. Sources indicate that the Vice President, known for his tireless dedication to public service, had been feeling unwell, with symptoms including chest pain and general uneasiness. Upon arrival at the premier medical institute, he was immediately admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) under the supervision of Dr. Rajiv Narang, the Head of the Cardiology Department at AIIMS. The swift response from the medical team ensured that his condition was stabilized quickly, setting the stage for his recovery over the next few days.
Dhankhar’s admission to AIIMS sparked a wave of concern across India, given his prominent role as the country’s Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. His health became a focal point for political leaders and citizens alike, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda personally visiting the hospital to check on his well-being. PM Modi, in a heartfelt post on X on March 9, wrote, “Went to AIIMS and enquired about the health of Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji. I pray for his good health and speedy recovery.” This gesture underscored the significance of Dhankhar’s recovery not just for his family but for the functioning of India’s upper house of Parliament, where he plays a pivotal role.
During his three-day stay at AIIMS, Vice President Dhankhar was closely monitored by a team of specialists. Initial reports confirmed that his condition was stable, a reassuring update that quelled some of the early anxiety surrounding his hospitalization. The medical team at AIIMS, renowned for its expertise, conducted a series of evaluations to address the cardiac-related issues that had prompted his admission. While specific details about his treatment remain limited—likely out of respect for his privacy—AIIMS released a statement on March 12 confirming that Dhankhar had responded well to the care provided. “After receiving necessary care from the medical team at AIIMS, he made a satisfactory recovery and was discharged on March 12,” the statement read, adding that he had been advised to rest adequately in the coming days.
The Vice President’s health scare is a reminder of the physical toll that high office can take, particularly for someone like Dhankhar, who has been a steadfast figure in Indian politics since taking office on August 11, 2022. Born on July 18, 1951, in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district, Dhankhar has had a long and varied career, transitioning from a lawyer to a parliamentarian, and later serving as the Governor of West Bengal before ascending to the vice presidency. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to upholding parliamentary decorum and fostering dialogue, making his temporary absence from public life all the more noticeable.
The timing of Dhankhar’s hospitalization coincided with a busy period in India’s political calendar, adding urgency to the hopes for his swift recovery. As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, he is tasked with steering legislative debates and maintaining order in a chamber often fraught with contention. His steady hand has been a stabilizing force, and his return to health is seen as critical ahead of upcoming sessions. Political analysts suggest that his brief hiatus may have prompted reflection among his peers about the need for robust health support systems for leaders under constant public scrutiny.
Public reaction to Dhankhar’s discharge has been overwhelmingly positive, with social media platforms buzzing with messages of support. Posts on X reflected a collective sigh of relief, with users like Ashoke Raj noting, “Good News! Our VP Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar ji is recovering and is now stable and discharged from AIIMS. Wishing him continued strength and good health.” This sentiment echoed across the political spectrum, highlighting the Vice President’s reputation as a respected figure who transcends partisan divides. Citizens expressed gratitude for the medical team at AIIMS, whose efforts ensured that Dhankhar could return home to recuperate.
Doctors’ advice for “adequate rest” has sparked discussions about what this means for Dhankhar’s immediate schedule. While he is expected to resume his duties gradually, the emphasis on rest suggests a cautious approach to his recovery. For a man accustomed to a rigorous routine, this directive might pose a challenge, yet it also offers an opportunity to recharge after a health scare that could have had more serious implications. The Vice President’s office has not yet released a detailed statement on his plans, but aides indicate that he is in good spirits and eager to get back to work—albeit at a measured pace.
Dhankhar’s journey from a small village in Rajasthan to the second-highest constitutional office in India is a testament to his resilience, a quality that has evidently served him well during this health episode. His political career, spanning roles in the Janata Dal, Congress, and eventually the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reflects a adaptability and determination that have endeared him to many. As Governor of West Bengal from 2019 to 2022, he navigated complex political waters, often clashing with the state government yet earning praise for his principled stance. That same grit likely fueled his recovery at AIIMS, where he faced this latest challenge with the support of a nation rooting for him.
The Vice President’s discharge also shines a spotlight on AIIMS, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of India’s healthcare system. The institute’s ability to handle high-profile cases with professionalism and discretion has bolstered public confidence in its capabilities. For Dhankhar, the experience may deepen his appreciation for the healthcare workers who tend to countless patients daily, a perspective that could influence his future advocacy as a public servant.
As Jagdeep Dhankhar steps out of the hospital and into a period of rest, the nation watches with bated breath for his full return to the helm of the Rajya Sabha. His health scare, while brief, serves as a poignant reminder of the human fragility beneath the trappings of power. For now, the focus remains on his recovery, with hopes that adequate rest will restore him to his characteristic vigor. India celebrates this positive turn, eager to see its Vice President back in action, steering the ship of democracy with the steady hand that has defined his tenure.
