New Delhi: AIIMS turns 60, Celebrates Its Diamond Jubilee

New Delhi: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on the completion of 60 years of contribution in the Medical field.

On the occasion of its celebration, Union Health Minster Shri JP Nadda said, “AIIMS has contributed significantly in quality healthcare. It has discharged its roles as clinical provider, Research Institute and Teaching Institute with considerable accolades over the past 6 decades.” This was stated by Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, at the Diamond Jubilee celebration function of AIIMS Delhi, here today. The Health Minister further added that during 2015-16, AIIMS Delhi, attended to 30 lakh outpatients, 2.5 lakh inpatients and performed about 1.5 lakh surgeries.

Speaking at the celebration function, Shri Nadda further stated that the Institute has always maintained the highest standards of meritocracy and learning. “It has attracted the best talents across the country that enter this institute as young students and pass out with the intensity of commitment to serve the poorest of the poor,” Shri Nadda said

Shri Nadda said that AIIMS is also the mentor institution for the new AIIMS like Institutions being established across the country. In this regard, the work done by AIIMS in formulating and reviewing subordinate legislation including the AIIMS Rules and Regulations has been commendable.

Highlighting its contribution, the Health Minister said that AIIMS not only has established high reputation but has also contributed significantly in academic quality, student care, infrastructure, and placement opportunities. “With its 9 centres and 52 teaching departments, and a manpower of over 10,000 including more than 800 faculty positions; AIIMS Delhi produces a large number of specialists (MD/MS), super-specialists (DM/MCh), PhD scholars and allied health and basic sciences experts, including nurses and paramedical professionals,” Shri Nadda elaborated.

Shri Nadda said that nearly 600 research projects have been conducted in the year and the institute attracted extramural research grants of more than Rs. 70 crores in frontier and cutting edge biomedical areas. “Moreover, the faculty and the scientists of the institute have published over 1800 research papers and AIIMS has been rated 3rd among the world’s top medical institutions in publishing research,” Shri Nadd stated

Enumerating the future plans, Shri Nadda stated that AIIMS is in the process of expanding its Trauma Centre, Surgical block, Mother and child block and OPD Block. The expansion will happen in phases and when completed, will almost double the hospital’s capacity. The surgical block will also have a National Endoscopy Centre, a High Dependency Unit and Kidney Transplant facilities. “In addition, the Convergence block, Critical care units, and a new Dharamshala were inaugurated during the year. These expansion plans would fulfil long felt needs of the apex medical institution in the country,” Shri Nadda added.

The Health Minister informed that the Union Cabinet has recently approved a proposal for setting up of National Cancer Institute (NCI) at Jhajjar under AIIMS at a cost of Rs. 2035 crores. NCI is the largest tertiary healthcare facility (both public and/or private) proposed in the country since independence. The proposed institute will have 710 beds for various facilities.

The Health Minister also inaugurated a free generic pharmacy store at the Institute for outpatients to cater to the needs of weaker sections of society and gave away research awards to the meritorious faculty members and students.

Also present at the function were Professor M.C. Misra, Director, AIIMS Delhi , Dr. Balram Airan, Dean (Academics), AIIMS Delhi, Dr. S.K. Acharya, Dean (Research), AIIMS Delhi, Students and Faculty members of the AIIMS and senior officers from the Ministry.