AIIMS Bilaspur Launches Renal Transplant ICU, Marking a New Era in Healthcare for Himachal Pradesh

Bilaspur: In a significant advancement for healthcare services in the region, AIIMS Bilaspur has inaugurated its state-of-the-art Renal Transplant ICU and Facility. Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda visited the facility today, where he met with the first renal transplant recipient and the donor, both of whom are reported to be recovering well following the surgery.

Expressing his satisfaction with the swift commencement of transplant services at AIIMS Bilaspur, Minister Nadda remarked, “The initiation of renal transplant services at AIIMS Bilaspur marks a notable milestone in the institute’s history and will address the long-standing lack of transplant services in Himachal Pradesh.” He highlighted the government’s commitment to accessible healthcare, noting an initial grant of ₹2 crore to assist those in need of kidney transplants, particularly benefiting the poor who often struggle to afford such treatments.

The facility will operate under the PMJAY and HimCare health insurance schemes, offering vital support to patients. It is anticipated that the facility will assist between 50 to 100 patients annually while raising awareness about organ donation and contributing to the establishment of multi-organ and bone marrow transplantation services in the future.

During his visit, Nadda toured various departments within the institute, inquiring about patient care services and their functioning. He also chaired a high-level meeting to review the institute’s operations and evaluate key healthcare initiatives. The meeting included notable attendees such as Anurag Thakur, MP (Lok Sabha), and Jai Ram Thakur, former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, along with senior officials from AIIMS Bilaspur, the Union Health Ministry, and the state government.

In his review, Minister Nadda praised the remarkable progress of AIIMS Bilaspur since its foundation was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 3, 2017. He noted that since its launch, the institute has successfully initiated telemedicine services, benefiting over 20,000 patients across Himachal Pradesh. The institute currently provides 250 bed inpatient services, along with emergency and trauma care, and advanced diagnostic capabilities like MRI and CT scans. Nadda pointed out that specialized services, such as the Cardiac Cath Lab and Radiotherapy, which opened earlier this year, have further strengthened the institute’s healthcare offerings.

With 614 students enrolled in various undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs, including nursing and allied health sciences, the Union Minister expressed satisfaction with the institute’s commitment to medical education and research. He announced plans for the launch of Ph.D. programs in 2025, which will enhance the scholarly contributions of AIIMS Bilaspur.

Furthermore, Nadda announced the commencement of a 250-bedded Night Shelter (Vishram Sadan), funded by PowerGrid at a cost of ₹25.6 crore, alongside the approval of various infrastructure projects totaling ₹178 crore for the institute. These projects include the construction of hostels and lecture halls, as well as the installation of a 538KWH Solar Rooftop Power Plant. The procurement of a PET-CT machine worth ₹22 crore is also underway, aimed at improving cancer and inflammatory disease treatment in the region.

Nadda highlighted the approval for establishing a Regional Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at AIIMS Bilaspur, with funding exceeding ₹18 crore. He also announced the creation of 29 Assistant Professor posts and 98 non-faculty posts, which are crucial for the efficient operation of labs and optimal utilization of sophisticated medical equipment.

Addressing the integration of drone and ambulance services with district health resources, Nadda praised the innovative approach to enhance patient and medical sample transfer from remote locations, assuring full support for its implementation.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to bolstering healthcare infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, Nadda commended AIIMS Bilaspur’s achievements and emphasized that the institute would significantly benefit the local population and neighboring regions with its high-quality medical education and healthcare services.

With a focus on providing comprehensive healthcare, AIIMS Bilaspur has established 38 departments, including 17 clinical specialties and 13 super-specialty departments. The facility currently operates 690 beds and has successfully treated over 500,000 outpatients and 35,000 inpatients, performing complex surgical procedures and offering life-saving treatments.

The institute’s commitment to cancer care services is evident, with a fully functional Radiotherapy department and ongoing installations of advanced equipment to further enhance its capabilities.