Odisha to push Centre for second AIIMS at Sundargarh, says CM Naveen Patnaik

BHUBANESWAR/ROURKELA: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday said the state government would follow up with the Centre for establishment of a second AIIMS at Sundargarh.
Addressing a gathering at Rourkela during his visit to the tribal-dominated district to distribute smart cards under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, Naveen said the government has already made its stand clear on the issue in the assembly.
“Sundargarh has a huge contribution in the development of the state. The boys and girls here have brought glory to the state and country. In honour of the contribution of Sundargarh, the state government has been continuously demanding establishment of second AIIMS at Sundargarh,” said Naveen.
On September 6, health minister Naba Das, in a statement in the assembly, had assured full cooperation of the state government for establishment of second AIIMS at Sundargarh.
The state government on November 24, 2020, had written a letter to the Centre to establish a second AIIMS at Sundargarh by utilizing the infrastructure, jointly developed by the state government and NTPC for medical college and hospital, which is likely to be functional from the next academic year. A central team took stock of the infrastructure and expressed their satisfaction while seeking more land.