VAliathan Committee to probe functioning of AIIMS,

New Delhi, Jul 12 (UNI) The Valiathan Committee set up to inquire into the working of AIIMS, which has been plagued by anti-quota stir and recent strike over interference in the autonomy of institution, has been asked to recommend measures required to turn the institution into a centre of excellence and a leader in the public health sector.

The four-member committee headed by Dr M S Valiathan, former Director of Sri Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences in Kerala, was set up last month by health minister Anbumoni Ramadoss following his row with AIIMS Director P Venugopal.

According to the terms of reference of the Committee announced today, the Committee would examine whether the AIIMS has achieved the purpose and objectives for which it has been established. It would also suggest the measures for enhancing and strengthening the autonomy of AIIMS to enable it to fulfil its stated objectives.

The committee, which has been asked to give its report within three months, would recommend on efficient utilisation of manpower resources to attract the best talent, retention of faculty, provision of better opportunities for utilising the talent available and optimization of scientic, technical and non-technical manpower.

It would also make recommendations to empower and position AIIMS to make full use of emerging global opportunities.

Though the Committee was set up at the height of health minister's spat with AIIMS Director P Venugopal last month, Dr Ramadoss had said that the setting up of the high level expert Committee had nothing to do with the Venugopal issue. It would inquire into the functioning of AIIMS during the past 30 years, he had clarified.

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