Madhya Pradesh: AIIMS Bhopal's ₹100 Crore Simulation Lab Plan Rejected

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): AIIMS Bhopal’s proposal to develop a simulation training lab worth ₹100 crore has been turned down by the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The committee expressed concern over the abnormally high expenditure and recommended setting up a basic undergraduate (UG) skill lab with a budget of ₹4.5 crore instead.

The proposed simulation lab was to use mannequins and simulators to provide hands-on training in various medical procedures and scenarios. It would have enabled students to practice safely before working with real patients, covering areas like fundamental nursing, emergency care and other specialised fields. The SFC suggested focusing on a basic UG skill lab to meet immediate training requirements more cost-effectively.

Meanwhile, AIIMS Bhopal has forwarded a proposal to the Department of Expenditure (DoE) under the Ministry of Finance to fill over 100 posts, including faculty, residents and non-teaching staff.

The proposed recruitments include 2 posts for Department of Rheumatology and Immunology (3 faculty, 3 residents, 6 non-faculty), 12 posts for Medical Genetics (same composition) and 85 posts for Department of Critical Care Medicine (6 faculty, 42 residents, 37 non-faculty).

Pricey proposal

* ₹100 crore simulation lab proposal rejected by MoHFW panel

* SFC recommends setting up ₹4.5 crore basic UG skill lab instead

* Lab aimed to use mannequins for hands-on training in medical skills

* Over 100 posts proposed; sent to Department of Expenditure for approval.