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Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, visited the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh to review the institute’s progress and evaluate the implementation of important healthcare initiatives. The Health Minister visited facilities of the institute and enquired about availability of various patient care services and their functioning. Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda also congratulated everyone for Jan Aushadhi Diwas. Senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and AIIMS Bilaspur were present on the occasion.
Shri J. P. Nadda laid down the foundation stone of Regional VRDL (Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory), inaugurated the Nuclear Medicine Facility at AIIMS Bilaspur, an additional Amrit Pharmacy Unit-3 at AIIIMS Bilaspur (HP). Union Health Minister also visited the site for Vishram Sadan
Shri Nadda praised the remarkable growth of AIIMS Bilaspur since its foundation was laid by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on October 3, 2017. The review meeting was attended by Shri Anurag Thakur, MP, Shri Jai Ram Thakur, Ex-Chief Minister of HP and Leader of opposition, HP, H.P., Sh. Srikant Sharma, Former Minister and MLA, U.P., Sh. Randhir Sharma, Sh. Jeet Ram Katwal, Sh. Trilok Jamwal, Members of Legislative Assembly, Bilaspur, H.P., and the officials from AIIMS Bilaspur and the State Government.
Addressing the gathering remarks, Shri Nadda reiterated the government’s commitment to continue fortifying the healthcare infrastructure in the region. He expressed his profound pleasure with the advancements made by AIIMS Bilaspur within a short span of its establishment. He stressed that the people of Himachal Pradesh and beyond would continue to benefit greatly from the top-notch medical education and healthcare services provided by AIIMS Bilaspur with the help and active cooperation of the Government of India and Himachal Pradesh.
AIIMS Bilaspur Unveils State-of-the-Art Nuclear Medicine Facility
Shri J. P. Nadda has officially inaugurated the Nuclear Medicine Facility at AIIMS Bilaspur, marking a significant milestone in the region’s healthcare capabilities. This advanced facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including PET/CT, SPECT/CT, SPECT radio-pharmacy/hot lab, and a Low-Dose Therapy (LDT) Ward, with an investment of Rs. 30.43 crore. With these in-house state-of-the-art facilities, the department will be able to synthesize most of the necessary radiopharmaceuticals, enabling a wide range of diagnostic investigations such as renal scans, liver scans, bone scans, thyroid scans, cardiac scans, gastro-intestinal scans, and cancer imaging.
In addition to comprehensive diagnostic services, the facility will also provide low-dose radionuclide therapy for patients suffering from thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, neuro-endocrine cancer, liver cancer, and those experiencing bone and joint pain. Shri Nadda mentioned that “these services will be offered at significantly lower prices compared to the private sector, and patients enrolled in the PMJAY and Himcare insurance schemes, as well as those living below the poverty line, will receive these services free of charge”. The dedicated ward will facilitate day-care treatment for patients with low-risk thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, and other conditions at minimal costs.
Union Health Minister has highlighted the significance of the newly established SPECT/CT and PET/CT facilities at AIIMS Bilaspur, describing them as transformative for patients in Himachal Pradesh. This local availability is expected to significantly lower healthcare costs and minimize travel times for patients seeking advanced diagnostic services.. Furthermore, the Nuclear Medicine Facility will enable the synthesis and evaluation of new radiopharmaceuticals for research purposes, with plans to establish a High Dose Therapy (HDT) Ward in the future. This initiative underscores AIIMS Bilaspur’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality for the community it serves.
Union Health Minister Shri Nadda also visited the site for Vishram Sadan. The 250 bedded facility is being built at the project cost of Rs. 13.57 Crore. In the near future, the bed capacity will be enhanced to 500 beds. He reviewed the progress of the construction at site. The institute is situated in a remote hilly terrain with no facilities for the stay of the patient’s attendees in the nearby area. The beneficiaries to AIIMS are coming from Himachal Pradesh and the adjoining states of Punjab and Haryana. The Vishram Sadan will help the poor and needy, requiring shelter, besides protection from biting cold, harsh summer and incessant rains during monsoon,during treatment of patients suffering from cancer, cardiac and other disorders requiring treatment at AIIMS Bilaspur (H.P.). Their stay in the Vishram Sadan will save multiple visits and expenditure from their far away residences. This will also help in diagnosis and treatment in a single visit resulting in rapid recovery, reduced load on hospital services, improved healthcare delivery, better patient satisfaction and reduced out of pocket expenditure of the individuals visiting the institute.
AIIMS Bilaspur Launches Additional Amrit Pharmacy Unit to Enhance Patient Care
This new unit is designed to address the increasing patient load and aims to provide affordable medications to all patients, thereby reducing waiting times and enhancing overall patient care.
Unit-3 will cater specifically to outpatient department (OPD) patients from various specialties, including Cardiology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Oncology, and Eye departments. Additionally, it will serve inpatient department (IPD) patients under the Ayushman Bharat and Himcare schemes, as well as those enrolled in other government insurance programs, offering services on a credit basis.
The Amrit Pharmacy Unit-3 will not only supply essential medicines, surgical supplies, and consumables but will also provide high-end items such as implants, medical devices, stents, pacemakers, and oncology medications at significantly discounted rates, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care around the clock.This initiative reflects AIIMS Bilaspur’s commitment to making healthcare more accessible and affordable, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the community it serves.
AIIMS Bilaspur Marks a Milestone with the Foundation Stone Laying of Regional VRDL. This facility will be one of 11 regional VRDLs among a total of 165 across India, equipped with a state-of-the-art Biosafety Level 3 laboratory, advanced sequencing capabilities, and comprehensive diagnostic and research facilities. The establishment of the Regional VRDL is poised to play a pivotal role in diagnosing viral illnesses and other infectious diseases, addressing the evolving epidemiology of both known and emerging viral threats.
.The Regional VRDL will not only enhance the capacity for timely identification of viral infections but will also provide localized expertise and services that are often lacking in smaller or remote healthcare settings. It aims to track disease outbreaks, improve understanding of disease epidemiology through robust surveillance and reporting systems, and bolster public health preparedness. Additionally, the laboratory will focus on training and capacity building in diagnostic procedures, pathogen handling, and outbreak management, fostering collaborative research to create a cohesive network for viral and infectious disease research and diagnostics. To date, 12 research staff have been recruited, and facilities for serological services and molecular testing against over 35 pathogens have been established.
During the event, Shri Nadda also took the opportunity to engage with specialist DM and MCH students currently undergoing training in various departments at AIIMS Bilaspur. He encouraged them to embrace their roles with dedication and commitment to serving the nation, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to healthcare and public health. The establishment of the Regional VRDL marks a significant step forward in enhancing health security and research capabilities in the region, ultimately benefiting the communities of northern India. Shri Nadda also extended his heartfelt congratulations to AIIMS Bilaspur on the successful recruitment of 35 new faculty members, who are set to join the institution soon. He said that, “This influx of talent is poised to significantly enhance the academic landscape and clinical capabilities of AIIMS Bilaspur” .
AIIMS Bilaspur Enhances Disaster Response Capabilities with Allocation of BHISHM Cubes under Pradhan Mantri Aarogya Maitri Bhishm Scheme. Each set comprises two mother cubes, each containing 33 RF-tagged mini-cubes filled with essential medical and surgical supplies, designed to support up to 200 casualties during mass disasters. These cubes can be deployed through various transport methods, including air, water, land, and even drones, ensuring rapid response in critical situations. The investment for each set is approximately 3 crore rupees, reflecting a commitment to improving emergency healthcare infrastructure.
In addition to disaster preparedness, AIIMS Bilaspur is set to enhance its facilities and educational offerings. A state-of-the-art indoor stadium, costing around 4.90 crore rupees, has been approved for use by faculty, students, and staff, equipped with modern amenities for various indoor sports. Furthermore, starting in the 2025 academic session, the institute will introduce a diploma course in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), initially accepting 10 students, with plans to expand intake in the future. This initiative aims to train skilled technicians who will provide critical care during patient transport. Additionally, AIIMS Bilaspur is preparing to launch comprehensive cancer services, including bone marrow transplants and stem cell therapy, thereby broadening access to advanced treatment options. Recent review meetings have focused on the institute’s achievements and future goals, emphasizing its dedication to improving healthcare services in Himachal Pradesh.
In his concluding remarks, Shri Nadda reiterated the government’s commitment to continue fortifying the healthcare infrastructure in the region. He expressed his profound pleasure with the advancements made by AIIMS Bilaspur within a short span of its establishment. He stressed that the people of Himachal Pradesh and beyond would continue to benefit greatly from the top-notch medical education and healthcare services provided by AIIMS Bilaspur with the help and active cooperation of the Government of India and Himachal Pradesh.
