Ranchi: Health minister Irfan Ansari on Monday urged the Centre to approve another All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jharkhand, proposing Ranchi as the site, during the 16th Conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW) at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.“Jharkhand currently has only one AIIMS, in Deoghar, nearly 300 km from Ranchi. The distance often delays access to super-specialty treatment for critically ill patients, affecting timely medical intervention. So Ranchi must have an AIIMS,” Ansari said.He also sought Rs 2,000 crore in central assistance for the proposed Rims-2 project, informing the council that the state govt is developing the facility at an estimated Rs 4,100 crore with Asian Development Bank loan support.“Central financial assistance of Rs 2,000 crore would accelerate the completion of the ambitious Rims-2 project, significantly enhancing Jharkhand’s healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to advanced medical services across the state,” he added.Ansari also cited shortage of medical colleges and sought new colleges in Chatra, Garhwa, Godda, Gumla, Pakur, Ramgarh, Simdega, Sahibganj and other districts. He said rising cancer cases require more central funds and advanced equipment.
