Centre to set up new AIIMS branches in three years

Business Standard, June 18, 2009

The Centre was for setting up of new branches of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) early, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said today and asked the Orissa government to remove hurdles in the building of the branch of the premier institute in the capital city.

''I will review the progress in all the new AIIMS projects, including the one proposed to be constructed in Bhubanewar, to ensure these are ready in about three years. I will also speak to the construction agency,'' Azad said.

Claiming that the steps taken by the state government for the ambitious Rs 820 crore project were slow and sluggish, Azad added that though the detailed project report for the Orissa AIIMS was ready proper land demarcation was yet to be completed.

The state should take quick steps to remove the high power transmission line at the site along with unauthorised structures and a small village relocated, the minister said.

On its part, the Centre was taking steps to bring momentum to the project, Azad informed adding he had spoken to Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh about the need for clearance to about 90 acres of the proposed AIIMS site here.

''Since Orissa badly needs an AIIMS, we are taking all steps to ensure that the project becomes operational at the earliest,'' he said.To improve the health care facilities in Orissa, both the Centre and the state government must initiate steps for early completion of AIIMS here, Azad said.

Maintaining that the Centre had always given attention to Orissa, he added the state was provided adequate funds under National Rural Health Mission for strengthening health infrastructure, procurement of equipment and improving staff at various levels.

During 2005-2009, Rs 1,221 crore was given to Orissa, but the state was able to utilise only Rs 900 crore. Rs 362 crore has been provided to it for the fiscal 2009-10, he said.