Decline in Patient Numbers at NIH Hospital Under Trump Raises Concerns for Care and Research

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center, a leading research hospital known for treating patients with rare and severe diseases, has experienced a significant decrease in patient admissions during the second term of the Trump administration. According to government documents and interviews with current and former NIH staff, the hospital's patient numbers have sharply declined, threatening both patient care and ongoing research efforts.

Data reviewed by KFF Health News indicate that from February to April, the average daily patient count at the 200-bed hospital fell between 60 and 80, a noticeable drop from previous years. In April, the numbers dipped to the lower end of that range, while in October, the hospital averaged about 80 patients daily. This decline coincides with a period marked by mass firings of government employees, reductions in scientific research funding, and stricter immigration policies.

By July, the hospital’s cancer clinical trial participation was down approximately 20% from the prior year, according to a NIH cancer scientist. The acting CEO of the clinical center, Pius Aiyelawo, acknowledged during a May meeting that patient numbers have not been promising, with a 5.7% decline in daily hospital occupancy compared to the same period last year.

The reduction in patients affects those with cancer, rare diseases, or needing procedures like bone marrow transplants—many of whom seek treatment free of charge through clinical trials. The hospital's research has historically contributed to breakthroughs in areas such as cancer, traumatic brain injury, and AIDS. Former leaders emphasize that these declines are linked to staff departures, canceled grants, and delays in critical supplies, which have collectively diminished the hospital’s capacity to treat and recruit patients.

The impact extends beyond inpatient care. Outpatient visits saw an 8.5% decrease by the end of April, and new patient enrollments decreased by 6.7%, approximately 3,370 individuals. The number of research studies remains substantial, with around 1,500 ongoing, but the reduction in eligible and willing participants hampers scientific progress.

NIH officials contend that the clinical center remains operational and committed to medical innovation, with HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon affirming the hospital’s continuing role in advancing health outcomes. However, employees report an exodus of clinicians and researchers over issues related to administration policies, job security, and a tense operational environment.

Furthermore, immigration restrictions have compounded the challenges. A new visitor policy requiring non-U.S. citizens or residents to register online was only implemented late January, after President Biden took office. Current staff note that international patients are now more hesitant to seek care at NIH due to fears related to immigration enforcement, with approximately 600 international patients in 2024.

The overall trend suggests that political and administrative upheavals have negatively impacted a historically vital hub for medical research and patient care, with recovery likely depending on policy changes and renewed funding efforts.