Bhubaneswar: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) plans to get ready 400 additional beds and 15 state-of-the-art modular operation theatres for its various indoor departments by March next year.

Besides, AIIMS is also in the process to recruit 179 faculty members for its various disciplines. Of this, about 100 will join by the end of January. Work is also on in full swing for installation of medical gas lines for operation theatres.

"Procurement of beds and infrastructure development is also going on. We hope the addition of 400 beds will immensely help patients," said AIIMS director Gitanjali Batmanabane.

With the addition of the new beds, the AIIMS will have the strength to admit about 850 patients at a time.

"The institute has gradually gained momentum in providing good healthcare services. People are coming here from various parts of the state every day," said another official of the institute.

After introduction of the modular operation theatres and medical gas lines, the AIIMS will be the only public hospital in the capital city to have such services for the patients. At present, only the bigwig corporate hospitals offer such services to the patients.

"It is great that AIIMS plans to introduce high-end medical services for people of the state. Not many can afford treatment in private hospitals. If the AIIMS provides services similar to those of the private hospitals, it will greatly benefit the poor patients," said Patia resident Niranjan Hota.

Shijua, where the AIIMS is located, has also been brought under the control of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation for extension of quality civic services, including proper management of solid waste, streetlights, urban infrastructure and more. "We have started installing waste bins and are conducting regular cleaning in the area," said a civic official.