Coming soon – an AIIMS-like institute for dentistry

The Centre has sought land from the Delhi government to set up the first All-India Institute of Dental Medicine and Research in New Delhi which will be on the lines of AIIMS. Union Health Minister had writer Delhi LG Jung seeking 20 acres of land to set up the institute which will aim to boost dental services in the country.

Dental sciences in India have progressed tremendously in the last couple of years and we now have a large pool of dental professionals, including specialists, in the country.

Although there are a number of medical institutes engaged in clinical services and research, there is no dental institute of national importance focusing on dental services, research and development, Vardhan says in the letter.

The Health Ministry is also committed to set up five such institutes across the country. I am keen that the first All-India Institute of Dental Medicine and Research, on the pattern of AIIMS, is set up in Delhi, Vardhan told the LG. For this purpose we would need up to 20 acres of land, preferably in the central part of Delhi. Once you kindly make the land available, the Centre would accept the responsibility for providing necessary (funds) for construction, equipment, faculty positions, staff etc. (at the institute). I would appreciate an early response in the matter from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Delhi government, the letter adds.

This year s Union Budget saw the Finance Minister announce that he has allocated Rs500 crore in order to open 4 more AIIMS hospitals all over the country. In his plan he said, We will set up 4 AIIMS in AP, WB, Vidharbha, Purvanchal, and set up new institutions within Delhi-AIIMS and Chennai-AIIMS.

While this move seems like a step in the right direction, there are some pitfalls that might accompany this decision. According to Mr Amol Naikawadi, JMD, Indus Health Plus, It s good to introduce the number of AIIMS-like hospitals in the country, but this however may solve only sectional problems and might not be enough to address the healthcare needs of the entire nation. 10 new hospitals is a far too small a number for that.

Does every state really need an AIIMS?

While cities like Mumbai and Delhi have a large number of government-run hospitals, that work as well as AIIMS for instance KEM hospital, Nair Hospital, etc. which are known for their prowess in handling delicate and serious illnesses there are those states that have no such infrastructure. Read more...

Also read:

• Can the private sector reduce India s TB burden?
• How Google Glass can change healthcare
• Are those expensive tests really required?
• Do any of our politicians care about the nation s health?
• Was ex-health secretary Keshav Desi Raju s transfer justified?

For more articles on healthcare, visit our healthcare section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.