AIIMS Bilaspur marked a significant milestone in its healthcare journey with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Renal Transplant ICU and Facility. Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda visited the newly launched facility and interacted with the institute’s first renal transplant recipient and donor. He expressed satisfaction over the successful initiation of renal transplant services within a short span of the institute’s operationalization.

“The commencement of renal transplant services at AIIMS Bilaspur fills a long-standing void in the availability of transplant services in Himachal Pradesh,” Nadda stated during his visit. “With this life-saving therapy now available within the state, an initial grant of ₹2 crore has been sanctioned to support patients lacking resources for such costly treatments.” He emphasized that the facility is accessible under the PMJAY and HimCare health insurance schemes, which will greatly benefit underprivileged patients in need of advanced kidney care.

Driving the Expansion of Transplant Services

The Union Health Minister noted that the renal transplant facility at AIIMS Bilaspur is expected to assist 50-100 patients annually, and serves as a stepping stone for establishing multi-organ and bone marrow transplant services in the future. He reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services in Himachal Pradesh, emphasizing that the new facility would also play a vital role in promoting awareness about organ donation.

During his visit, Shri Nadda toured various departments at the institute and chaired a high-level meeting to review the institute’s functioning and the implementation of key healthcare initiatives. Senior officials from AIIMS Bilaspur, the Union Health Ministry, and the Himachal Pradesh government, along with dignitaries like MP Shri Anurag Thakur and former Chief Minister Shri Jai Ram Thakur, attended the review meeting.

Achievements and Future Plans of AIIMS Bilaspur

The institute, which has achieved several milestones since its foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017, has made significant strides in providing quality healthcare. Telemedicine services, launched in May 2021, have benefitted over 20,000 patients across the state. AIIMS Bilaspur is now equipped with 250 inpatient beds, emergency and trauma care services, and advanced diagnostic facilities such as MRI and CT scans.

“Healthcare facilities like the Cardiac Cath Lab and Radiotherapy services, which were inaugurated earlier this year, have strengthened the institute’s ability to deliver specialized services for the benefit of the masses,” Nadda noted. He also highlighted the institute’s focus on medical education and research, with 614 students currently enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, and super-specialty courses. Ph.D. programs are set to launch in 2025, further contributing to the institute’s academic excellence.

Major Infrastructure Developments Announced

The Union Minister announced several new infrastructure projects worth ₹178 crore, including the construction of a 250-bed Night Shelter (Vishram Sadan) sponsored by PowerGrid, a 204-bed UG Boys Hostel, a 334-bed UG Girls Hostel, 72 dwelling units, and four new lecture halls for the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. AIIMS Bilaspur is also set to install a 538 kWh Solar Rooftop Power Plant, contributing to sustainable energy use.

To further strengthen its cancer care services, the institute is procuring a PET-CT machine worth ₹22 crore, which is currently being installed. This addition will enhance the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, significantly benefiting patients in the region.

Pioneering Advanced Diagnostic and Research Facilities

Nadda announced the approval for setting up a Regional Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at AIIMS Bilaspur at a cost of over ₹18 crore, which will play a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of viral infections. He also revealed that 29 new posts for Assistant Professors in Anaesthesiology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Trauma, Emergency & Critical Care, along with 98 non-faculty positions, have been created to ensure the smooth functioning of various departments.

In a forward-looking initiative, AIIMS Bilaspur proposed integrating drone technology with ambulance services to expedite the transfer of patients and medical samples from remote locations. The Union Health Minister lauded this innovative approach and assured support for its implementation in the near future.

Expanding Healthcare Access for Himachal Pradesh and Beyond

AIIMS Bilaspur, now home to 38 departments, including 17 clinical specialties and 13 super-specialty departments, has treated over 5,00,000 outpatients and 35,000 inpatients since its inception. The institute offers a range of critical care services, with multiple ICUs for medical, surgical, paediatric, and neonatal care, and 690 operational beds.

Comprehensive cancer care services are available through its fully functional Radiotherapy department, offering advanced therapies such as linear accelerator beam therapy and chemotherapy. The ongoing installation of a Gamma Camera and PET-CT facility in the Nuclear Medicine Department will further elevate the institute’s cancer treatment capabilities to the highest standards available nationally.