IMS-BHU to get AIIMS status today

VARANASI: The Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Banaras Hindu University (BHU) will formally be upgraded to the level of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Saturday.

With this upgradation, IMS-BHU will be entitled to get enhanced funding and better health care facilities. Its Sir Sunderlal Hospital is the only tertiary care referral centre for the entire eastern UP, western Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring country Nepal catering to the medical needs of about 20 core population.

Union ministers Prakash Javadekar and J P Nadda will take part in the upgradation ceremony. An MoU will be signed by the ministries of HRD, health and family welfare and UP government in this regard on the occasion.

"In June, IMS-BHU had signed an MoU with AIIMS, New Delhi to avail AIIMS-like funding and facilities. With this development, IMS will be looked after by the Union ministry of health and family welfare for funding and other requirements," said medical superintendent Prof. Vijay Nath Mishra.

BHU vice-chancellor Prof. Rakesh Bhatnagar said, "Even after getting AIIMS status, IMS would function under BHU administration."