New Delhi: P. Venugopal may have retired as the director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Wednesday, but not one to "sit idle" he has sculpted plans for the future. He has already asked top doctors of the premier institute to join him in his new endeavour.

"I won't be sitting idle after working for so long. I will set up an institute like AIIMS somewhere near the institute," Venugopal said on his last day in office.

"I am not trying to poach but they are free to join me anytime. I am open to them and my association with them will continue," he told IANS.

Indicating that he might join hands with private players to set up a super specialty hospital, the renowned cardiologist said: "There is no dearth of funds. More people are now ready to invest in healthcare."

"There are certainly offers near me. We are in talks and you will see me in Delhi and elsewhere working. The AIIMS like institute will have its headquarters in Delhi and branches across the country," he said.

Controversies aside, Venugopal says he is happy about his 49-year association with AIIMS - from an MBBS student to its director.

He said: "I have achieved whatever I wanted to. I am satisfied, happy and no grudges against anyone."

He said he would conduct research in emerging medical fields like nano-technology and stem cell therapy in his new institute.

"We will provide quality healthcare to the poor and needy without charging much from them," he added.

Asked why there was no farewell ceremony at the hospital, Venugopal said: "All these doctors are part of my life. They don't want to say goodbye to me."

"Whenever they feel like, they can come near me. I am always there and will help them in whatever way possible."

Reacting to the open offer from Venugopal, a number of AIIMS doctors said, "It's not a bad idea".

"There is already a shortage of senior doctors at AIIMS and this offer will create more problem for the institute. But who will like to stay when a senior hands out a lucrative offer," said a senior AIIMS doctor.

Venugopal has been in news for the last three years - first over his alleged role in fuelling the anti-quota agitation against 27 percent reservation for other backward classes and later for his face off with Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss.

The Supreme Court reinstated Venugopal on May 8 ater the health ministry removed Venugopal from the post of the director nearly seven months ago. Venugopal has been at loggerheads with Ramadoss, who is also the president of AIIMS. IANS