Bhubaneswar: Union health minister J P Nadda on Saturday declared the establishment of eastern India’s first govt-run skin bank at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. This crucial facility will collect skin from donors within six hours of death and provide grafts to burn patients, eliminating the current dependency on Mumbai and Bengaluru. “This will not only improve survival outcomes but also significantly enhance the quality of life of patients in Odisha and neighbouring states,” said Nadda during his visit to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
He also inaugurated a state-of-the-art Central Research Laboratory at AIIMS Bhubaneswar to boost healthcare infrastructure and research in eastern India. “The research laboratory is poised to empower doctors, researchers and scholars to develop impactful healthcare solutions and propel AIIMS Bhubaneswar into the league of premier medical research hubs in the country,” said an official statement from the institute.
Dr Ashutosh Biswas, executive director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, said the new research facility will be a catalyst for scientific discovery and translational research, especially in the eastern region. “It will open doors to pioneering treatments and improved healthcare outcomes,” he added.
Nadda also laid the foundation stone for the ‘multi-utility and gastronomy’ block, a modern infrastructure project tailored to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, staff and the public. The block will offer essential amenities under one roof, enhancing both operational efficiency and community engagement on the campus.
Adding to the digital transformation of healthcare services, the Union minister launched the revamped AIIMS Bhubaneswar website, equipped with user-friendly features and integrated services for patients and visitors. The website showcases Odisha’s rich cultural heritage while improving access to the institute’s healthcare facilities.
He inaugurated the EHS clinic and Amrit pharmacy, ensuring greater accessibility to essential health services and affordable medicines for all.
Nadda also visited the burn centre, Swachhata exhibition at the OPD foyer, integrated health and wellness clinic, rheumatology and geriatric clinic, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and planted a sapling at Smruti Upavan.
The visit concluded with a high-level review meeting where Nadda assessed ongoing development projects and interacted directly with medical students, sanitation staff and employees. Nadda was accompanied by a team from AIIMS Bhubaneswar, including its president Shailesh Kumar, and other faculty and senior staff members.