BILASPUR, March 8– Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda announced today that the Bhishma Cube Arogya Maitri Yojana would enhance healthcare services in remote areas, with Himachal Pradesh set to be a key beneficiary. Speaking at AIIMS-Bilaspur, he said the institute would soon receive support under the scheme to extend advanced medical care to rural and hilly regions.
Nadda said his priority was to make AIIMS-Bilaspur a world-class medical institution, adding that expanding healthcare schemes would ensure affordable and advanced medical services for all. He commended AIIMS doctors and paramedical staff for their dedication and assured them of further facility upgrades.
He also announced plans to open over 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country by 2027 to provide affordable, high-quality medicines. During his visit, he inspected the Jan Aushadhi Pharmacy at AIIMS and interacted with beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana. He directed the AIIMS administration to ensure the availability of quality medicines.
Nadda inaugurated an Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Pharmacy at AIIMS and reviewed the latest healthcare services at the Nuclear Medicine Block. He said the Centre remained committed to enhancing AIIMS-Bilaspur’s facilities.
He also inaugurated PET CT and SPECT CT scanners, installed at a cost of ₹25 crore, for improved diagnosis of cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. “These advanced imaging tools will aid in early detection of cancer and heart diseases,” he said, adding that the SPECT CT scanner would help in detailed examinations of bones, kidneys, and heart conditions.
Additionally, Nadda laid the foundation stone for a ₹30 crore virology research and diagnostic laboratory, a 250-room rest house for patient attendants costing ₹15 crore, and a ₹4.90 crore indoor sports complex.
Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur, state BJP president Rajeev Bindal, AIIMS Executive Director Prof DN Sharma, and MLAs Randhir Sharma, Jitram Katwal, and Trilok Jamwal attended the event.
