Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): In a setback to AIIMS Bhopal, its proposal to build an additional floor in the critical care unit (CCU) block under PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) has been turned down by the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
The Rs 25 crore proposal aimed to develop an advanced, hi-tech CCU for providing upgraded critical care services. However, the SFC stated that AIIMS Bhopal acted unilaterally in planning construction and funding without necessary approvals.
Officials said the institute lacked authority to independently decide on such a major infrastructure expansion. SFC has now directed AIIMS to resubmit the proposal through the Ministry in consultation with the Integrated Finance Division (IFD) under the Department of Expenditure.
Sources also said that inflated cost estimates were a key concern, contributing to the rejection. While SFC cited procedural lapses, cost irregularities reportedly played a significant role in the decision.
According to AIIMS officials, the proposed CCU upgrade was vital for delivering life-saving interventions such as mechanical ventilation, advanced monitoring and specialised treatments, essential for a tertiary-care institute of its scale.
Upgrade in limbo
Rs 25 crore proposal rejected by MoHFW's Standing Finance Committee
AIIMS Bhopal blamed for bypassing mandatory approval process
Cost escalation flagged as major issue in the proposal
Institute told to resubmit plan via Ministry with IFD consultation
