RIMS yet to get aid package assured by PM
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 15 2011:
A promise made by Prime Minister Dr Manmohon Singh in 2006 for a financial package of ' 210 crore for development of infrastructure in Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) is yet to be translated into work even though four years have passed since the announcement of the package.
Dr Manmohon Singh, during his visit in 2006, had announced that a financial package of ' 210 crore would be provided by the Centre for development of the RIMS which is now under the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Till date not a single paise has been released by the Centre, an official of the RIMS disclosed.
He asserted that the funds are essential to RIMS which is full of shortages in terms of equipment, manpower, etc.
The official who preferred anonymity said following the assurance given by the Prime Minister, the RIMS authority had submitted a project proposal to the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
The proposal included upgradation of the out patient department (OPD), construction of the Nursing and Dental College (NSDC), expansion of the present building of the casualty department, installation of a dedicated power station of 33 KV for a 24-hour supply of electricity in the institute, rejuvenation of staff quarters and purchasing of equipment for the hospital, etc.
Even though the proposal was yet to be approved by the Ministry concerned the RIMS authority had submitted revised estimates for the proposal two times.
The latest proposal was furnished under the initiative of the incumbent Director, Dr S Sekharjit.
The source further alleged that with the delay in the release of the funds from the Centre, all works for development of infrastructure in the RIMS have been hindered.
The delay has also caused an escalation in the cost of the project, the source said citing that the project proposal of ' 210 crore submitted by the RIMS authority has now reached ' 288 crore as reflected when the latest revised proposal was submitted.
Out of this latest revised estimated cost, the Ministry had approved sanction of ' 129 crore but the amount is yet to be released, the source said.