PM lays foundation stone of AIIMS in Bathinda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here.
The 750-bedded AIIMS will be set up with an outlay of Rs 925 crore and it would be spread over 177 acres of land on the Bathinda-Dabwali road. The land has been given by the state government. It is expected to be completed by June 2020, officials said.
Heavy security arrangements have been made in the wake of Modi's visit to Bathinda.
(REOPENS DES1)
Stressing on assisting downtrodden people, Modi said it was essential for strengthening social infrastructure including setting up schools, hospitals, helping poor and providing them education.

"To bring about development, it is important that roads, airports be set up and trains run. But it is more important that for common man, social infrastructure like schools, hospitals be created for the welfare of the poor and downtrodden... Then society becomes powerful," he said.
He said the Centre and the Punjab government were working shoulder to shoulder for the welfare of poor, farmers and people living in remote areas. And, he also emphasized on making available water and electricity.
Talking about AIIMS, he said, around Rs 1,000 crore will be spent on setting up the premier medical institute. "It will not only treat patients, but will also provide medical, nursing education. And it also has the potential to change the future of youths," he said.