Odisha CM urges Centre to Establish 2nd AIIMS at Sundargarh

He pointed out that the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) contributes heavily toward making the country secure in terms of available of coal.

According to a recent report by TOI, the demand was placed in front of the centre on Friday, 22^nd October 2021, after CM Naveen Patnaik had a meeting with Union coal and mines minister Pralhad Joshi, at Naveen Niwas.

Since the NTPC has constructed an integrated campus of a 500-bedded hospital and 100-seated medical college at Sundargarh, a second AIIMS can be established by adding required infrastructure to the existing facility, the State Government stated in its demand to the centre.

"Considering Sundargarh's contribution in providing energy security to the country and to the national development by adding to steel and iron ore production, the Centre should come forward to fulfil the long-standing demand of the people of this tribal-dominated district for an AIIMS," said Naveen during the meeting, quotes TOI.

During the meeting, the chief minister also demanded early operationalization of medical college and hospital at Angul, another major coal-bearing district."The 500-bedded and 100-seated medical college and hospital, for which infrastructure has already been developed, will benefit largely the people of Angul," said Naveen.

The Sundargarh medical college is all set to become operational as admissions will be started from 2022-23 academic year, for which the state government has already sanctioned 271 teaching and non-teaching posts.

The chief minister assured full support from the side of the State Government to the Centre for establishment of AIIMS at Sundargarh, sources told media persons from the Times of India.

Union minister of state for railways, coal and mines Raosaheb Patil Danve was also present during the meeting.