Kamal Ghorui
Bhubaneswar: Though govt announced to upgrade SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, into an AIIMS Plus institute on Nov 6, 2019, and targeted to complete the project by Jan 2024, it is yet to be completed.The redevelopment plan includes construction of new medical blocks, high-rise residential apartments for doctors, staff and nurses, and new hostel accommodation for students. The Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation under the works department is looking after the work executed by private construction companies. Govt has sanctioned more than Rs 4,500 crore for the mega redevelopment project since 2020-21. The project is being executed in two parts — clinical and residential.After delay for several months, govt planned to complete the first part by June 2026. But many works are yet to be completed. Now govt has set another deadline of Sept 2026. Health activist Gouranga Mohapatra said the SCB expansion project will transform the healthcare system of the oldest medical college of the state.“But unfortunately, the project is getting delayed. Patients need better facilities. I think the Trauma Care ICU fire tragedy would have not happened had the new facility existed,” he added.A doctor said the AIIMS Plus project will add more than 3,500 beds. “Now patients are facing difficulties as they do not get beds and ICUs. The project will add more ICUs and operation theatres,” he added.Sanjay Kumar Singh, principal secretary of works department, said works minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has reviewed the project.
