Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to dedicate the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Kalyani to the nation during a virtual inauguration ceremony on Sunday. The 960-bed hospital, located in West Bengal’s Nadia district, was constructed at a cost of ₹1,754 crore and commenced operations in 2019. However, the institution is currently embroiled in controversy as it operates without obtaining environmental clearance.
According to the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB), AIIMS Kalyani is categorized as a violator and is subject to environmental damage costs and penalties amounting to over ₹15 crore. The hospital administration has applied for an exemption, arguing that healthcare facilities do not require environmental clearance.
Kalyan Rudra, Chairman of WBPCB, stated in a press conference that AIIMS Kalyani initiated construction before obtaining the necessary environmental clearance, leading to its current violation status. The WBPCB has filed a case before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate’s (ACJM) court in Kalyani to address the matter. Despite the hospital’s plea for exemption, Rudra asserted that the state government lacks the authority to waive the imposed penalties.
However, details shared by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in late December 2023 omitted any mention of the environmental clearance issue. The PIB press note highlighted the completion of construction work at AIIMS Kalyani and the operationalization of MBBS classes, outpatient department (OPD) services, and inpatient department (IPD) services.
While AIIMS Kalyani faces regulatory challenges, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate Gujarat’s first AIIMS during his visit to Rajkot on February 25. During the visit, Modi will arrive at AIIMS Rajkot in the afternoon and later address a rally at the Race Course ground. Additionally, he will participate in a kilometre-long roadshow from the old airport to the rally venue. Furthermore, Modi will virtually inaugurate four other newly constructed AIIMS in Mangalagiri, Bathinda, Rae Bareli, and Kalyani during the event.
The AIIMS initiative aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure and accessibility across various regions of the country. Under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana, 22 new AIIMS are being established nationwide, with varying levels of progress. These institutions play a crucial role in addressing the healthcare needs of the population and improving medical education and research facilities.
While the inauguration of AIIMS Kalyani signifies a significant milestone in expanding healthcare services in West Bengal, the environmental clearance issue underscores the importance of adhering to regulatory protocols to mitigate adverse impacts on the environment. The controversy surrounding AIIMS Kalyani underscores the need for effective coordination between healthcare development initiatives and environmental sustainability efforts.
As the nation awaits the virtual inauguration of AIIMS Kalyani by Prime Minister Modi, stakeholders must address the environmental concerns raised by regulatory authorities to ensure the sustainable operation of healthcare facilities and promote holistic development in the healthcare sector.