Despite having the tag of the best tertiary care hospital in the Government sector, serious infrastructure deficits continue to haunt Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS).

In the last few years, there has been a consistent effort from health authorities to improve the quality of medical care at NIMS, although the so called ‘big ticket’ projects, including opening new outpatient facilities, procuring medical equipment and recruitment have been delayed.

After spending close to Rs. 80 crore to build the Bibinagar facility and keeping it unused for close to four years, the Telangana Government has now approached the GoI for setting up AIIMS. However, major expansion plans of NIMS, including opening of close to 12 operation theatres, new blocks in the recently inaugurated trauma centre and better hostel facilities for doctors are yet to be taken up.

To be able to open additional facilities, the hospital requires close to 150 doctors and more than 200 non-clinical staff. In the last few years, close to 150 non-technical staff had retired and there have been no fresh recruitments. “Unless we recruit doctors, we can’t expand and open new blocks in the trauma centre. The Government has promised to hasten recruitments,” senior doctors said.

Twenty-one acres of land at Erramanzil Colony, the title of which is yet to be transferred to NIMS, continues to remain another roadblock for developmental activities. New hostels, an exclusive outpatient block and additional inpatient wards were planned to be constructed at the site. Most departments in the hospital have old medical equipment and need upgrading. Nearly Rs. 60 crore is required to procure new equipment.