Visakhapatnam: After nearly a decade-long delay, there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel for the Visakha Institute of Medical Sciences as arrangements are going on a full swing for its inauguration.
With health minister Kamineni Srinivas’ firm intention to inaugurate the VIMS on April 11 itself, the officials are kept on their toes to make sure all works are completed before the targeted time. Recently, the authorities of the VIMS received medical equipment worth '21 crore while other works are underway.
Speaking to this correspondent, Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the King George Hospital and Officer on Special Duty to the VIMS, P.V. Sudhakar, informed that they are presently conducting a clean up exercise to prune the overgrown shrubs and trees surrounding the hospital.
“Initially, the hospital will serve as an outpatient and emergency care facility, having a capacity of 50 beds. Recently, the government deputed 10 sanitary and 10 security personnel for smooth flow of work. We are expecting the rest of medical equipment by March 31. The KGH would extend medical and infrastructural assistance until things fall in order for the VIMS,” added Mr Sudhakar.
The foundation stone was laid by former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy in 2007. The VIMS will have state-of-the-art medical facilities, comprising a medical college besides 18 super-speciality divisions and about 1,300 beds way higher than the existing King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam.
Due to fund constraints and neglect by the successive governments, the project did not make any new development. But the recent announcements and ongoing work have raised hopes of Vizagites. VIMS can cater to the advanced medical needs of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh on the lines of NIMS in Hyderabad and SVIMS in Tirupati. About 163 employees, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other staff would render their services at the VIMS after the inauguration.
The operation theatres at the VIMS would be equipped with advanced workstations, laparoscopic machinery and OT lights to carry out all types of complicated surgeries, added Mr Sudhakar.
On Saturday, the workers at the VIMS were seen carrying out various works, including welding, equipment installation and approach road works. Work related to electricity, water supply and others were already completed.
