Since its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, last month, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bilaspur has become an important landmark of the town.
On Tuesday, The New Indian talked to the people of Bilaspur to learn how the hospital has changed their lives.
“Earlier, we would go to IGMC, Shimla or Chandigarh but now we come here for treatment. There was no big hospital around. This hospital has opened scope for jobs as well,” Jyoti Thakur, a resident of Bilaspur, said.
Thakur had come to the hospital for the treatment of her father-in-law, who was suffering from ear pain. “We came here at night. Immediately, he got treated, and now he is fine. Thanks to the hospital,” Thakur added.
Hospital attendant Suman said the hospital has opened job opportunities for someone like her. “It’s been two months, I work here as an HA (hospital attendant). I am a native of Koldam but am staying here for work. The government is doing great work. Thanks to them,” said Suman.
Baburam Sharma, who drives an auto in the city, said, “I have started driving near the AIIMS. Because of this hospital, the number of passengers has increased. Thanks to Modiji.”
“The hospital is a boon for the people in need, as earlier people from the hills had to cover a great distance to visit a big hospital. Sometimes it becomes fatal. But now, that will not happen,” he said.
Pawan Handa, who works in a government hospital in Shimla, came to see the AIIMS. “We never imagined this kind of hospital with this beautiful infrastructure was possible in this hilly state. Not only people from Bilaspur or nearby, but I feel people from across the state will come over here for treatment,” said Handa.
Surrounded by hills, this hospital is spread over an area of 247 acres with 24-hour emergency, dialysis, and modern diagnostic facilities. Made at a cost of ₹1,470 crores, the hospital will offer 750-beds with 18 specialty and 17 super-specialty departments.