Nadda Announces INR 178 Cr Projects at AIIMS Bilaspur, Lauds Renal Transplant Center

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has announced projects worth INR 178 Cr for AIIMS Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. 

The focus was on enhancing the institute’s infrastructure and healthcare capabilities, particularly with the recent launch of a renal transplant facility. 

This development aims to fill a critical gap in the state's availability of advanced medical services. 

Boost to Renal Transplant Services

During his visit, Nadda toured the newly operational renal transplant unit and interacted with the first patient and donor, who were recovering well. He highlighted the importance of this milestone for Himachal Pradesh. 

"The commencement of renal transplant services at AIIMS Bilaspur marks a notable milestone in the institute's history and will fill a long-standing void in the availability of transplant services in Himachal Pradesh," he said. 

Nadda added that the facility could help 50-100 patients annually and also raise awareness about organ donation.

He further shared that this center would act as a stepping stone towards establishing other critical services, such as multiorgan and bone marrow transplants.

Collaboration with Medical Colleges

In addition to healthcare services, Nadda announced INR 178 Cr in funding for infrastructure projects at AIIMS Bilaspur. These funds will be used to develop 72 housing units, hostels for undergraduate students, and lecture halls for nursing and allied health sciences students. 

He also mentioned plans for a solar rooftop power plant to support energy needs.

To strengthen healthcare education in the region, AIIMS Bilaspur will collaborate with four medical colleges in the state, located in Mandi, Hamirpur, Nahan, and Chamba. 

“It has been decided that AIIMS Bilaspur will do the hand-holding of these medical colleges to strengthen their operations,” Nadda explained.

As part of this initiative, a faculty exchange program is being developed to ensure better training for state doctors.

State-of-the-Art Medical Equipment

Further, Union Minister Nadda also announced the procurement of a PET-CT machine currently installed at the facility, costing INR 22 Cr. 

Additionally, INR 18 Cr has been allocated to set up a Regional Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at AIIMS Bilaspur. This lab is expected to play a crucial role in advanced diagnostic services in the region.

He confirmed the creation of 29 new posts for assistant professors in Anaesthesiology and 98 non-faculty posts, ensuring round-the-clock operation of labs and proper use of advanced medical equipment.

"These recruitments will allow the labs and operation theatres to function effectively and meet the growing demand for medical services at the institute," Nadda said.

Review Meeting on AIIMS Bilaspur Operations

Later, Nadda chaired a high-level meeting to review the overall operations at AIIMS Bilaspur. He praised the institute's progress since Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid its foundation in October 2017. 

He also acknowledged key achievements, such as the launch of telemedicine services in May 2021, which has benefitted over 20,000 patients across Himachal Pradesh.

The meeting also included a proposal to integrate AIIMS Bilaspur's drone and ambulance services with district health resources. This initiative aims to reduce response times for medical emergencies and the transport of medical samples from remote areas.