AIIMS Bilaspur: Union Health Minister inaugurates new facilities, significant milestone for healthcare in Himachal Pradesh
JP Nadda inaugurating health facilities
Bilaspur, March 8: Pediatric surgery, neoplasm, and psychiatry services launched at AIIMS Bilaspur on 8 March 2023 under the leadership of Union Minister J. P. Nadda. The facility is expected to aid greatly in patient care, medical research and overall treatment efficacy. Inaugurated facilities include AMRIT Pharmacy, state-of-the-art PET CT and SPECT CT scanners, and laying the foundation stone of the Virology Research and Diagnostic Lab (VRDL), contributing to the strengthening of national health security.
Prepare and distribute drugs through AMRIT Pharmacy at AIIMS Bilaspur
Inauguration of the AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) pharmacy on the third floor of AIIMS Bilaspur was the key highlight of the program. The AMRIT pharmacy is the 225th AMRIT pharmacy in India to provide life-saving medicines at a discount of more than 50 per cent. The initiative is part of the government’s wider push to lower the cost of essential medicines for patients nationwide.
Inaugurating the pharmacy, the Health Minister expressed happiness that the important aspect, affordability, would greatly encourage patients belonging to the vast majority of population, particularly the economically weaker sections. When implemented, medicines and medical implants under the AMRIT scheme will be available to people at affordable discounted rates, thus, lessening the burden on families and giving people access to crucial medicine on time. AMRIT pharmacies, the success of which has been nothing less than remarkable the length and breadth of the country, are soon expected to improve access to affordable healthcare in the region further, with the new facility at AIIMS Bilaspur.
Nuclear Medicine Block Inspection and Higher Scanners
J. P. Nadda also undertook an inspection of the newly upgraded Nuclear Medicine Block at AIIMS Bilaspur during his visit. The Minister inaugurated newly installed PET CT and SPECT CT scanners, which have been established at the cost of Rs 25 crore as part of the government’s continued efforts to improve medical services. Scheduled to change the course of diagnostic processes, these high-tech machines will allow the development of accurate and timely results for patients.
PET CT is used to diagnose various conditions, especially cancer, neurological conditions (Diseases that affect the brain, spine, and the nerves that connect them) and heart diseases by detecting these diseases earlier. Likewise, the SPECT CT scanner will allow for exhaustive investigation of bone, kidney and heart diseases. The precision of their medical examinations will be greatly improved because of these diagnostic tools, which will help to find the right treatment for their condition and recover faster from it.
VRDL (Virology Research and Diagnostic Lab) Foundation Stone
The foundation stone of the Virology Research and Diagnostic Lab (VRDL) at AIIMS Bilaspur was laid by the Union Health Minister in a significant step ahead towards research and national health security. Estimated at Rs 10 crore, the project will augment the capacity for testing infectious diseases and viruses, which is an important aspect of the country’s preparedness for health threats in the future. The VRDL will fill a critical gap in studying new viruses, developing vaccines and responding to epidemics.
The lab is expected to be a vital resource for not just Himachal Pradesh, but for the country’s ongoing fight against viral infections and the enhancement of epidemiological research. The Minister, calling the lab such a facility that would be immensely beneficial in India’s journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in responding to health crises, emphasised the importance of the new lab.
Transient Home for Patients & Attendants
The foundation stone of a Rest House was also laid at AIIMS Bilaspur for providing comfortable accommodation for patients and their families who come from remote areas for their treatment. The project will cost Rs 15 crore, and will be a huge relief for people travelling far out of the area for treatment. It will provide the patients and their families with low cost accommodation while they receive medical care and treatment.
Suggesting that the Rest House capacity be enhanced from 250 to 500 beds to accommodate increasing number of patients visiting the AIIMS Bilaspur from across the region, MP Anurag Thakur seeking presence at the time said.
Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Future Roadmap
Union Health Minister also announced to open 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the nation by 2027. These centers under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) set out to provide affordable and quality medicines to the general public. Visit to Jan Aushadhi Pharmacy at AIIMS Bilaspur – During visit Minister interacted with beneficiaries of the scheme who expressed satisfaction on the quality and affordable medicines. Patients are saying how much they appreciate the new plan because it has lowered the cost of their treatment.
Allaying people’s concerns about high-quality medicines, J. P. Nadda said the government would push for expanding the network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, offering quality medicines to people in urban and rural hinterland. By 2027, affordable medicines will be provided for more wider coverage of people, especially those in remote locations and underserved areas, the government said.
Expansion of Health Services and Indoor Stadium
Union Health Minister announced the construction of an indoor stadium at AIIMS Bilaspur at a cost of Rs 4.90 crore in order to spread awareness of a healthy lifestyle. For students and medical staff, it can provide better facilities for physical exercise and sports activities and can promote the health and wellness of the institution.
Meanwhile, the Bhishma Cube Arogya Maitri Yojana will support health services expansion in rural and hilly areas. With the scheme, even the most remote parts of Himachal Pradesh will have access to the same high level of medical care as any urban location.
AIMMS Bilaspur: A World Class Medical Institution
In his concluding remarks, the Union Health Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to develop AIIMS Bilaspur into a world class medical Institution. The President also appreciated the doctors and the staff of the AIIMS for doing an excellent service with pure dedication and hard work which has contributed significantly in the growth and success of the hospital. Through the years, the Minister mentioned, the idea is to furnish affordable, obtainable and innovative remedy to all citizens and the way forward is AIIMS Bilaspur.
Others present at the event include MP Anurag Thakur, former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, BJP President Himachal Rajeev Bindal, local MLAs and officials. Their participation illustrated what the event meant to the state and its medical system.
The founding of these new healthcare facilities at AIIMS Bilaspur is a major advancement for healthcare in Himachal Pradesh. India has implemented various initiatives to develop its health infrastructure, such as the availability of cutting-edge test techniques, low-cost medicines, and expansion of its medical services to remote areas. The programmes started today will not only increase the availability of healthcare but will also establish AIIMS Bilaspur as one of the India’s best medical institutions,” said the health minister.
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