IMPHAL, February 6: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda today assured to develop RIMS to the level of AIMS or a Deemed University and provide the latest modern equipment.
Addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony for construction of different blocks of the institute at the cost of Rs 202 crore, the Union Minister assured there is no lack of fund for development of RIMS and said the construction of the blocks will be completed within two-years.
Earlier, the Union Minister, who is on his first inspection visit of the institute, had laid the foundation stones of a new Casualty Block, Community and Forensic Medicine Block, Maternity Ward Block and Under Graduate hostel.
Jagat Prakash also conducted a tour of the RIMS campus and inspected the Casualty, ICU, Operation theatre, Special Ward, Radiotherapy department etc.
He also interacted with staff and patients of the hospital.
The Union Minister was accompanied by MP Dr Th Meinya, MP Thangso Baite, MLA Kh Joykishan, MLA Th Bishworjit and BJP Manipur Pradesh general secretary Ashwinikumar among others.
A reception programme of the Union Minister was also held at the RIMS Jubilee hall which was also attended by joint secretary (NE Division) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare KC Samaria, RIMS director Prof S Rita and medical superintendent Prof M Amuba Singh.
Speaking at the programme, the Union Minister said he will personally overlook the RIMS administrative set-up and its fund utilisation.
He said he will also take the initiative of modernising RIMS.
Any pending issue of the institute will be addressed at the shortest period possible, he assured.
Following his inspection of different blocks of the institute, he said his ministry will replace the old equipment with new ones soon.
The Union Minister also assured to look into all the recommendations submitted to him by different units.
Development must start from the grass root level, he said adding that there should accountability and transparency in fund utilisation.
He said hopefully, his next visit will bring more developmental projects for the State.