Jaipur, Sept. 10 -- Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot has slammed the state government's decision to establish the Rajasthan Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Jaipur on the lines of AIIMS by taking over existing medical institutions instead of creating a new facility. Gehlot said that the BJP government plans to convert the Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) and the State Cancer Institute into RIMS, which would disrupt the functioning of two well-established institutions and negatively impact both doctors and patients. "RUHS is already an autonomous university which earned global recognition for its exemplary treatment during the Covid pandemic. Turning RUHS into RIMS will also reduce its medical seats. Instead of dismantling an existing institution, the government should have built a brand-new RIMS hospital," he stated in an X post. "BJP leaders had claimed that under a double-engine government, Rajasthan would face no shortage of central funds. If funds are lacking, the state should seek a special grant for RIMS and construct a new institute. Renaming or replacing existing institutions is not a fair tradition," he added. BJP spokesperson Mukesh Pareek said ,"Opening RIMS on lines of AIIMS is welcoming, which will cater to more public in different cities. RIMS will not bring any negative impact on any other institute. Gehlot questioning pro-people steps taken by the state is unwarranted." htc...