Odisha's SCB Medical College AIIMS Plus Upgrade Faces Repeated Delays
The ambitious plan to transform SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack into an AIIMS Plus institute, announced by the government on November 6, 2019, continues to face significant delays despite substantial financial allocations and revised deadlines.
Project Overview and Current Status
Originally targeted for completion by January 2024, the mega redevelopment project has now been pushed to September 2026. The comprehensive upgrade includes construction of new medical blocks, high-rise residential apartments for doctors, staff, and nurses, along with new hostel accommodations for students. The Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation, operating under the works department, is overseeing the execution carried out by private construction companies.
Since the 2020-21 fiscal year, the government has sanctioned more than Rs 4,500 crore for this transformative healthcare initiative. The project is being implemented in two distinct phases: clinical facilities and residential components.
Revised Timelines and Implementation Challenges
After experiencing delays spanning several months, authorities initially planned to complete the first phase by June 2026. However, with many critical works still pending, the government has now established another revised deadline of September 2026 for project completion.
Health activist Gouranga Mohapatra emphasized the project's potential to revolutionize healthcare in Odisha's oldest medical college. "The SCB expansion project will fundamentally transform the healthcare system of our state," Mohapatra stated. "But unfortunately, the project is getting delayed. Patients urgently need better facilities. I believe the Trauma Care ICU fire tragedy might have been prevented had the new facility been operational."
Healthcare Impact and Patient Concerns
A medical professional associated with the institution highlighted the project's significant capacity expansion. "The AIIMS Plus initiative will add more than 3,500 beds to our current infrastructure," the doctor explained. "Currently, patients are facing considerable difficulties due to bed shortages and limited ICU availability. This project promises to substantially increase ICU units and operation theatres, addressing critical healthcare gaps."
Sanjay Kumar Singh, principal secretary of the works department, confirmed that Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has conducted a comprehensive review of the project's progress and implementation challenges.
Broader Implications for Odisha's Healthcare
The repeated delays in completing this flagship healthcare project raise concerns about infrastructure development timelines and their impact on patient care services. As one of Odisha's most significant medical infrastructure investments, the SCB Medical College upgrade represents a crucial component in strengthening the state's healthcare delivery system and addressing growing medical needs.
The project's successful completion is expected to not only enhance treatment facilities but also improve medical education infrastructure, potentially attracting better healthcare professionals and serving as a model for future medical institution upgrades across the region.
