Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda recently visited the state-of-the-art Renal Transplant ICU and Facility at AIIMS Bilaspur, where he interacted with the first renal transplant recipient. The patient, who had recently undergone surgery, along with the donor, is recovering well. Nadda expressed satisfaction with the swift initiation of transplant services, highlighting the significance of this milestone in providing much-needed renal care to the people of Himachal Pradesh.
During his visit, the Union Health Minister emphasized that the commencement of renal transplant services would address a long-standing gap in healthcare access within the state. An initial grant of ₹2 crore has been allocated to ensure that those in need, particularly from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, can afford this life-saving treatment. Additionally, the renal transplant services at AIIMS Bilaspur are covered under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and HimCare health insurance schemes. Nadda noted that this facility would not only help 50 to 100 patients each year but also promote awareness about organ donation in the region.
AIIMS Bilaspur has been making rapid strides in expanding its healthcare services since it became operational. During the visit, Nadda toured the hospital's various facilities and reviewed the availability of patient care services. He also chaired a high-level meeting to assess the institute's overall functioning and progress on key healthcare initiatives. The meeting was attended by prominent officials including Shri Anurag Thakur, MP (Lok Sabha), Shri Jai Ram Thakur, former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, and senior AIIMS and health ministry personnel.
In the review meeting, Nadda acknowledged the rapid growth of AIIMS Bilaspur since its foundation by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2017. The institute has achieved several milestones in a short span, such as launching telemedicine services in May 2021, which has benefited over 20,000 patients across Himachal Pradesh. Other key achievements include opening Outpatient Department (OPD) services, radiology, and diagnostic services. AIIMS Bilaspur now has a 250-bed inpatient facility, emergency and trauma care services, along with advanced diagnostic technologies like MRI and CT scans.
One of the most significant recent additions has been the opening of the Cardiac Cath Lab and Radiotherapy services, further enhancing the institute's ability to offer specialized care. The institute has also established 38 departments, comprising 17 clinical specialties and 13 super-specialties, significantly widening the scope of its medical services. This has bolstered the hospital’s capacity to treat patients with complex medical conditions and provide essential care to the local population.
In his visit, Shri Nadda announced several major infrastructure developments that will further elevate AIIMS Bilaspur’s capacity to serve the public. Among these are the construction of a 250-bed Night Shelter (Vishram Sadan) funded by PowerGrid, which will begin soon at a cost of ₹25.6 crore. Additionally, the Union Health Ministry has approved infrastructure projects worth ₹178 crore, including 72 residential units, 204-bed undergraduate boys’ and 334-bed undergraduate girls’ hostels, and four lecture halls for the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. The projects will also include a 538KWH Solar Rooftop Power Plant to ensure energy sustainability.
The commencement of renal transplant services at AIIMS Bilaspur will fill a long-standing void in availability of transplant services in Himachal PradeshShri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Health Minister
The Minister announced the installation of a PET-CT machine, costing ₹22 crore, which will aid in diagnosing and treating cancer and inflammatory diseases in the region. He also declared the approval of a Regional Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at AIIMS Bilaspur, with a project cost of over ₹18 crore. Furthermore, 29 faculty positions, including Assistant Professors in Anaesthesiology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Trauma and Emergency Care, have been created along with 98 non-faculty positions. The new staff will ensure round-the-clock operation of labs and optimal utilization of high-tech equipment.
Since its inception, AIIMS Bilaspur has made significant contributions to healthcare in the region, treating over 5,00,000 outpatients and 35,000 inpatients. The institute has expanded its capacity to 690 operational beds and offers a range of specialized services including cardiac interventions, neurosurgery, joint replacements, and laparoscopic surgeries. It also provides critical care through medical, surgical, pediatric, and neonatal ICUs.
AIIMS Bilaspur has made considerable progress in cancer care as well, with comprehensive services that include chemotherapy and radiotherapy using linear accelerators. Ongoing projects, such as the installation of Gamma Cameras and PET-CT machines in the Nuclear Medicine Department, will further enhance the institute’s ability to treat cancer patients. Nadda praised these advancements, stating that AIIMS Bilaspur is on track to become one of the country's leading medical institutions in terms of both treatment and research.
In education, the institute is home to 614 students across various undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs. AIIMS Bilaspur also offers B.Sc. (Hons) Nursing and Allied Health Sciences courses. Nadda expressed optimism about the institute’s future contributions to medical research, noting that Ph.D. programs are expected to launch by 2025.
Shri Nadda highlighted an innovative proposal to integrate drone technology and ambulance services to reduce the time required to transport patients and medical samples from remote locations. The integration of drones with the district health resources will improve emergency response times in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Nadda applauded this initiative and assured full support from the central government for its implementation.
Healthcare facilities like the Cardiac Cath Lab and Radiotherapy services... have strengthened the institute's ability to provide specialized services for the benefit of the massesUnion Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Health Minister
During his review, Shri Nadda reiterated the government's commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. He commended the advancements made by AIIMS Bilaspur, which has become a beacon of high-quality healthcare for the region. Nadda emphasized that with the cooperation of both the state and central governments, the people of Himachal Pradesh and neighboring regions will continue to benefit from the specialized medical services and educational programs provided by AIIMS Bilaspur.
AIIMS Bilaspur has made tremendous progress in a relatively short period, offering a wide range of healthcare services that were previously unavailable in Himachal Pradesh. With the operationalization of renal transplant services, advancements in cancer care, and future infrastructure projects, the institute is well on its way to becoming a leading center of medical excellence in the region.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)