File Photo: All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi (Image used for representational purpose)
A parliamentary panel has proposed a thorough review of AIIMS' existing model of governance, which has been in place for the last 60 years, and also called for the governing body of the premier institute to have "equitable representation" so that its faculty can put forward their views and ideas.
"The existing model of governance, by which the institute has been run for the last 60 years, needs a thorough review.
"One of the main aspects of governance is participation. There should be equitable representation in the governing body of AIIMS so that the faculty can present its views and ideas as to how governance can be improved in light of their day-to-day experiences in performing their duties," the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare recommended in its report submitted before Rajya Sabha.
It also wanted standard procedures vis-a-vis administrative, vigilance and financial matters to be put in place immediately and implemented in letter and spirit.
"Since the creation of and selection for the positions like Dean, Sub-Dean, Professor-in-charge, Head of Departments, etc. has mostly been mired in controversies, the entire scheme and its procedures should be reviewed and codified for strict adherence to avoid any charges of favouritism, nepotism, corruption and avoidable litigation in future," the committee recommended.
As far as budgetary provisions are concerned, the panel gave its full backing for enhanced budgetary support to AIIMS and recommended that any resource gap should not be allowed to come in the way of speedy execution of developmental projects involving AIIMS.
The committee observed that the availability of tertiary care services is skewed towards private domain vis-a-vis public sector. That leads to a high health cost burden on the people, especially the marginalised and poor sections of our society, it said.
"There is a huge mismatch between the AIIMS's projected demand of Rs 2,325 crore and allocation of Rs 550 crore in the 2015-16 budget, which is incidentally the same as it was for 2013-14," it said, adding that since a large number of developmental activities are currently underway at AIIMS.
The panel pointed out that the inadequacy of Plan funds may prove to be a big factor in limiting the progress of important initiatives.
The committee also proposed a monitoring mechanism to ensure that a balanced pace of expenditure is maintained.