Proposed ‘AIIMS International’ to collaborate with institutions abroad for education and research

The nation’s premier medical body — the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will soon have an International face — a self-financing, non-profit affiliate which will “draw upon the intellectual and professional strengths of AIIMS for its global mission”.

The proposal to set up “AIIMS International” is already being discussed in the Health ministry.

The idea was first mentioned in the recommendations made by Dr MS Valiathan on efficient utilisation of the institute’s resources to attract the best talent, retention of faculty and provision of better opportunities to utilise the talent available.

Dr Sujata Rao, Union Health Secretary, said: “The AIIMS International is one of the several recommendations made by Valiathan and all of them are under consideration. But we have to approach these changes in an organised manner. As of now, it is important to get the house in order before we talk about going international.” An official at AIIMS, however, said with the Prime Minister’s Office keen on speeding up the implementation of the Valiathan Committee’s recommendations, the proposal will soon be finalised. “It is premature to talk about the proposal, but the ministry is keen on expediting the re-modelling and overall improvement of facilities and equipment in AIIMS,” he said. “The idea of an international affiliate is one of the important recommendations being discussed.”

The report submitted by Valiathan, a copy of which is with Newsline recommends that that “AIIMS International” should be set up to make the most of globalisation by partnering with international organisations. It will be formed with the objective to “establish collaboration with institutions for medical education and research; and teaching hospitals across the world to advance the cause of global partnership in health and education”. The report has suggested that the involvement of former students will be essential in the activities of AIIMS International.

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