Centre delaying work on AIIMS in Uttarakhand: Nishank

New Delhi, Jul 10 (UNI) Uttarakhand Health Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' today accused the Centre of indulging in politics by delaying establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) in the state.

Addressing a press conference here, Dr Nishank said the decision to give an AIIMS to the state had been taken during the NDA regime, and the then health minister had even laid foundation for the institute at Rishikesh in 2003.

''However, even after passage of four years, no construction work has been taken up, whereas the state government has already completed all work and formalities required on its part,'' he said.

''In fact the proposed AIIMS in my state has become a victim of politics of the UPA government,'' said Mr Nishank.

Talking about creation of health facilities in the state, the Minister said 13 mobile clinics were ready to be taken to remote areas of the state. These clinics, costing Rs one crore, would visit a village at a fixed date once in a month, so that people could plan their visit.

He said the state government also proposed to set up one hospital in every district for providing treatment based on various traditional systems of medicines.

Dr Nishank has just returned from Germany where he was felicitated and honoured by Hamburg University and various organisations of the NRIs. A couple of books written by him were released at a function in the university. He also delivered a lecture on the India system of medicines at the function.

UNI NAZ SK BD1955