Date:16/10/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/10/16/stories/2004101611130400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Centre blacklists NIMS

By Our Special Correspondent

RAJAHMUNDRY, OCT. 15. The Union Ministry of Health has blacklisted Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) for medical treatment under the Prime Minister's Relief Fund (PMRF). Stating this to reporters here on Friday, the Union Minister of State for Health, Panabaka Lakshmi, said NIMS had not submitted accounts for the operations sponsored under the PMRF for the past five years. And till such time the institute makes a financial statement, it remains off the list of hospitals listed for PMRF-sponsored operations for the poor.

Ms. Lakshmi said some other hospitals were also blacklisted but refused to divulge their names. The Minister said the PMRF was misused during the NDA regime. Ms. Lakshmi said sponsorship under the fund was now limited to 15 most deserving cases enlisted by each MP.