Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari has urged the Centre to establish an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Ranchi and provide 400 ambulances to strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
Speaking at a World Population Day programme in Ranchi on Saturday, the minister said the proposals are aimed at improving access to quality healthcare and reducing the burden on existing medical facilities.
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Demand for AIIMS in Ranchi
Ansari pointed out that Jharkhand’s only AIIMS is located in Deoghar, nearly 300 kilometres from Ranchi, making it difficult for patients from across the state to access advanced medical treatment.
He said the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, currently caters to patients from the entire state, making the case for a second premier medical institution in the capital.
RIMS-2 Project Underway
The minister said the state government has secured funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to establish RIMS-2, an expansion of the existing Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi.
The new facility is expected to enhance the state’s tertiary healthcare capacity and improve access to specialised treatment.
400 Ambulances Requested from Centre
To strengthen emergency medical services, the Jharkhand government has also sought 400 ambulances from the Centre.
According to Ansari, the additional ambulances will help improve emergency response and healthcare delivery across urban and rural areas.
Mother-and-Child Hospitals Planned in Every District
The Health Minister also announced plans to establish modern mother-and-child hospitals in every district of Jharkhand.
The proposed facilities aim to provide safe deliveries, specialised newborn care and improved healthcare services for women while helping reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
Population Should Be Seen as a Strength
On the occasion of World Population Day, Ansari said Jharkhand’s young population should be viewed as a valuable asset rather than a burden.
He stressed that investments in healthcare, education, skill development and employment would transform the state’s demographic advantage into long-term economic and social growth.
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