Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): It is setback for AIIMS, Bhopal as SFC (Standing Finance Committee) of ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW) has rejected two big projects—Opening of Apex Paediatrics unit and Oncology Centre for tertiary health care in AIIMS, Bhopal.
It was the 13th meeting in New Delhi in June this year. As per SFC meeting agenda, AIIMS, Bhopal has put proposal of construction of Apex Paediatrics centre with foundation of G+1.
SFC said that the department of expenditure has declined to grant in-principle approval for any expansion involving construction of new AIIMS through grant-in aid and has advised in the next phase of Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).
Similarly, a proposal was put up for construction of 200- bed of Apex Oncology and 300-bed trauma level-1, which was also undecided. It was G+5 construction. Besides, AIIMS had demanded 55 technicians for smooth 24x7 operation of diagnostic service.
SFC noted that in the 4th meeting in 2019, 150 technicians were sanctioned. Till date only 73 technicians have been engaged. SFC has advised AIIMS to engage 40 technicians on outsourced basis in various departments (10 each) like biochemistry, radiology, microbiology and pathology.
Similarly, SFC has given approval for CT scanner (256 slices). In 2022, permission was granted with sanction of Rs 13 crore.
Earlier, the AIIMS administration had said that AIIMS, Bhopal was going to add Apex Paediatrics and Oncology centre to ensure tertiary care to patients.
These are big ambitious projects as far as public healthcare facilities in AIIMS are concerned. However, AIIMS director Dr Ajai Singh informed Free Press, ‘Both the proposals regarding Apex Paediatrics and construction of 200-bed Apex Oncology and 300-bed trauma level-1 are still under consideration.’
