Demand for AIIMS Raichur not answered at all, Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao criticizes Centre
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Health Department has expressed dissatisfaction with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda’s recent statement about the proposed All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raichur. Nadda had mentioned that the AIIMS in Karnataka would be considered within the state's overall health fund allocation, a remark that has particularly upset the state’s Health Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao.
In a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on January 14, Mr Nadda said that the Government of India has plans to establish AIIMS in different parts of the country under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) in a phased manner. “As far as establishment of AIIMS in Karnataka is concerned, it is informed that the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, was requested to convey its ‘in-Principle’ approval for establishment of AIIMS in Karnataka wherein it was advised that the proposal will be examined within the overall financial umbrella not only under PMSSY but also the overall financial allocation for this Ministry including National Health Mission (NHM), other major schemes being implemented by the Ministry," the letter said.
The letter also clarified that under NHM, the Ministry provides financial and technical support to the States/UTs to strengthen their healthcare infrastructure based on the requirements posed by the States/UTs in their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs) within their overall resource envelope. Under NHM, a total of Rs. 4648.63 Cr. (Central Govt. grants) have been released to the State of Karnataka from the FY 2021-22 to FY 2024-25 including Rs. 939.65 Cr. (as of 17.12.2024) in the current FY 2024-25). Similarly, under PM-ABHIM, funds to the tune of Rs. 194.80 Cr. have been released from the FY 2021-22 to FY 2024-25 (including Rs. 45.88 Cr, (as of 17.12.2024) in the current FY 2024-25).
“In order to strengthen health infrastructure in Raichur region if the State government includes proposals in the State Programme Implementation Plan, this Ministry will be happy to consider them provided they are within the allocated resource envelope for the State and the NHM guidelines,” the letter said.
Upset with the response, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao addressed the issue and stated, “I do not understand what this written by our Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nappa wants to convey. Our demand for an AIIMS in Raichur is not answered at all. 22 States have got approval for AIIMS, but our long-standing demand has no response. The minister mentions using NHM and PM-ABHIM funds, which are simply not possible as they are already allotted for existing requirements.”
“Everyone knows AIIMS needs a dedicated budget and our govt is willing to support it in every way possible. What the Union Govt has done is to cleverly & indirectly say to us that we’re denying you AIIMS. Injustice for Karnataka under the Modi regime continues,” he added.
Congress Member of Parliament Lok Sabha, Raichur, and former IAS, G Kumar Naik also addressed the issue and stated, “Karnataka’s rightful demand for an AIIMS in Raichur has once again been ignored by the Union Government, making it the only major state without one. Union Health Minister’s response lacks commitment, offering only vague references to existing funds. Healthcare development should not be driven by political bias. Raichur, identified by NITI Aayog as one of India’s 112 aspirational districts, urgently needs enhanced healthcare and education facilities.”
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