Govt grants Rs 470 crore for Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences
New Delhi: After four years since its inauguration, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, the medical college affiliated with the Centre-run Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, is poised to begin construction, with the approval of funds amounting to Rs 470 crore and the completion of the master plan. The project is expected to be finalized within a two-year timeframe.
Plans are underway for a significant redevelopment of a three-acre parcel of land currently occupied by the psychiatry department. This project envisions a modern 12-story structure that will house a sizable auditorium capable of hosting 1,500 people. Furthermore, the development will feature six lecture theatres, each accommodating 250 individuals, a swimming pool, and a parking area designed to accommodate up to 1,000 vehicles. Officials have outlined a design that combines Victorian and contemporary architectural elements, including the incorporation of domes and arches.
Dr Ajay Shukla, holding the positions of Director and Medical Superintendent at the hospital, informed TOI that most of the necessary formalities have been duly completed. The initiation of construction activities hinges on the final approval to be granted by the Union Ministry of Health.
He stated that the upcoming building would be linked to the subway to alleviate traffic congestion. Additionally, he noted that, during this period, the existing psychiatry department would temporarily relocate to the old doctors' hostel.
At present, there are around 500 MBBS students enrolled in the medical college. The new structure will be dedicated to pre-clinical departments, encompassing anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, forensic medicine, pharmacology, and their respective laboratories. It will also provide office space for faculty members and department heads.
The inauguration of the medical college occurred in 2019 and was overseen by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, who held the position of Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare. This commemorative event took place on the first anniversary of the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Although the project was initially slated for completion in 2022, administrative officials have noted that pandemic-related challenges contributed to the delay.
Moreover, a series of approvals were prerequisites at various administrative tiers before commencing the project. The location of the medical college in the Lutyens' zone required obtaining permission for a change in land use, which was successfully secured three months ago. Following this, a master plan was meticulously prepared and obtained official approval. The final endorsement is currently in the hands of the Union Health Ministry and is pending authorization.
Officials have indicated that the hospital's super speciality block, featuring 666 beds, is on track to be ready for utilization by April of the upcoming year. Subsequent to its completion, the hospital will proceed to establish the radiotherapy department, as well as medical and surgical oncology departments, complete with state-of-the-art equipment including a linear accelerator and PET CT scanner.
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