Centre clarifies on AIIMS, RIMS projects
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 21 2025: The Union Government has clarified that there is no proposal to establish an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Manipur under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), and also there is no provision to upgrade RIMS to the status of an AIIMS.

This information was revealed in response to a question raised by MP Dr Angom-cha Bimol Akoijam in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Dr Bimol had sought information on whether there was any proposal or consideration to establish an AIIMS in Manipur and whether there were any plans to upgrade the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, to the status of an AIIMS.

Responding to the query, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav, stated that under PMSSY, the establishment of 22 AIIMS has been approved in various states and union territories across the country.

However, apart from the existing AIIMS in the Northeast region in Guwahati, Assam, which is functional, there is no proposal for the establishment of another AIIMS in Manipur in the current phase of PMSSY.

The Minister further clarified that AIIMS are established as Institutes of National Importance under the AIIMS Act, and all such institutes are developed as greenfield projects.

There is no provision under the Act to upgrade an existing institution such as RIMS, Imphal, to the status of an AIIMS.

This clarification came amid growing expectations for enhanced healthcare infrastructure in the state, especially given the vital role that RIMS plays in catering to the medical needs of the people of Manipur and neighbouring states.

The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, is a premier medical institution and a vital healthcare hub for the entire Northeast region.

Established in 1972, RIMS has played a crucial role in providing quality medical education, research, and healthcare services.

It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and super-specialty courses, producing skilled medical professionals who serve across the region.

With its state-of-the-art facilities, RIMS caters to thousands of patients annually, addressing the healthcare needs of people from Manipur and neighbouring states like Nagaland, Mizoram, and Assam.

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