Health Minister JP Nadda visited the AIIMS Bilaspur on March 7, where he inaugurated multiple healthcare facilities and reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to improving medical services across the country.
During his visit, Nadda engaged with AIIMS officials, doctors, and patients, highlighting plans to expand healthcare infrastructure. He announced an ambitious goal of establishing 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras by 2027 to ensure access to affordable medicines.
One of the key launches was the Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Pharmacy on the hospital’s third floor. This is the 225th AMRIT Pharmacy in the country and aims to provide life-saving medicines at discounts exceeding 50%, making treatment more affordable for patients.
The minister also inaugurated advanced diagnostic equipment, including Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET CT) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT CT) scanners, installed at a cost of ₹25 crore. These cutting-edge imaging tools will enhance early detection of cancer, heart diseases, neurological disorders, and other complex medical conditions. While PET CT will focus on cancer and cardiovascular diagnostics, SPECT CT will be instrumental in examining bones, kidneys, and cardiac health.
In addition, Nadda laid the foundation stone for a Virology Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), which will be developed with an investment of ₹10 crore. This facility will be crucial in diagnosing infectious diseases, conducting virus research, aiding vaccine development, and managing epidemics.
Further strengthening patient support, he performed the bhoomi pujan (groundbreaking ceremony) for a rest house to be built at AIIMS Bilaspur at a cost of ₹15 crore. This accommodation facility will serve patients and their families undergoing long-term treatment. Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur proposed increasing the rest house’s capacity from 250 to 500 beds to accommodate more people.
The Union Minister also announced the construction of an indoor stadium at AIIMS Bilaspur with a budget of ₹4.90 crore. Additionally, under the Bhishma Cube Arogya Maitri Scheme, AIIMS Bilaspur will receive further support to extend advanced medical care to remote regions, ensuring better healthcare access for underserved communities.
