Bilaspur, October 3:The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bilaspur, celebrated its third foundation day with great enthusiasm and dignity. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Col. Dhaniram Shandil presided over the programme.

Address by Union Minister J.P. Nadda

In his address, Nadda said that the establishment of AIIMS Bilaspur in a record time of three years was a matter of personal satisfaction and the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream. He highlighted that of the 23 AIIMS institutions currently operational in India, 13 were set up during his tenure.

The Minister underlined that AIIMS Bilaspur has already achieved remarkable milestones in a short span. Eight successful kidney transplants have been conducted here, and a regional virology research laboratory has become operational.

At present, the institute houses a 750-bed Inpatient Department (IPD) and a 40-department Outpatient Department (OPD), along with state-of-the-art facilities including 24x7 Emergency & Trauma Care, MRI, CT, PET scans, NICU, PICU, Critical Care Unit, Cath Lab, Blood Bank, Endoscopy, Radiotherapy, Dialysis, and Renal Transplantation. More than 20,000 patients have received free treatment under Himcare and Ayushman Bharat schemes.

For the convenience of patients’ attendants, a 250-bed night shelter has been constructed, with another 250-bed facility to be built with the support of a philanthropic organisation. Nadda also announced that a modern indoor stadium will be constructed in the AIIMS campus at a cost of 5 crore rupees. A Kendriya Vidyalaya and a DAV school are also in the pipeline for the children of employees.

123 Crore Rupees Approved for Himachal under Implementation Plan 2025-26

Nadda announced the sanction of an additional 123 crore rupees for Himachal Pradesh under the Implementation Plan 2025-26. Of this, 73.13 crore rupees has been allocated for Maternal and Child Health wings—including 34 crore rupees for Hamirpur Medical College, 11 crore rupees for Nahan, 4.5 crore rupees for Bilaspur, 3 crore rupees for Nurpur, 1.65 crore rupees for Mandi, and 1 crore rupees for Una.

Further, 18 crore rupees has been earmarked for medical equipment in colleges where maternal-child wings are already functional, and 32 crore rupees under the LaQshya scheme for quality improvement in labour rooms.

Remarks by Himachal Pradesh Health Minister

Presiding over the function, State Health Minister Col. Dhaniram Shandil said that AIIMS Bilaspur has brought a historic transformation in Himachal’s healthcare system. He stressed that the true identity of any institute lies not merely in its infrastructure, but in the dedication and service of its human resources. He commended the doctors, faculty, nursing staff, and employees of AIIMS Bilaspur for their commitment and compassion towards patients.

He noted that research and innovation are the backbone of healthcare and emphasized the growing role of Artificial Intelligence and modern technologies in diagnostics and treatment. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting medical research to ensure the timely delivery of advanced healthcare services to the people.

Shandil also highlighted that 70 model health institutions are being established across Himachal, out of which 50 are already functional, ensuring that quality healthcare reaches even rural and remote areas.

Expressing gratitude to Union Minister J.P. Nadda, he said that the central government’s continued support is helping take Himachal’s healthcare system to new heights.

Dignitaries Present

The ceremony also witnessed the presence of former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, mp Anurag Singh Thakur, Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan, AIIMS Bilaspur Chairperson Prof. Dr. Narendra Kumar Arora, Executive Director Lt. Gen. Daljit Singh, MLAs Randhir Sharma, Jit Ram Katwal, and Trilok Jamwal, along with many other dignitaries.

On the occasion, meritorious students and faculty members were also felicitated for their outstanding contributions.