AIIMS in Kerala: State Fast-Tracks Search for Perfect Site
Kerala is expediting the search for a suitable location for AIIMS, reviewing multiple sites across districts to meet Central Government criteria.
The Kerala government is intensifying its efforts to bring an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to the state. Health Minister K Muralidharan announced in the assembly that the state is moving swiftly to identify and finalize a location that aligns perfectly with the strict criteria set by the Central Government to ensure the project moves forward without further delay.
The Hunt for the Right Land
Establishing an AIIMS is no small feat, as the Central Government mandates specific requirements for the site. To qualify, the location must offer at least 200 acres of contiguous, dispute-free land. Beyond the size, the site must have seamless connectivity to national highways, railway stations, and airports, along with reliable access to electricity and drinking water.
Minister Muralidharan revealed that the state has already shared details of approximately 10 potential sites across various districts with the Union Health Minister. Currently, the government is meticulously examining feasibility reports submitted by district authorities to ensure every requirement is met.
A History of Proposals
The journey to bring AIIMS to Kerala has been a long one. The Minister highlighted several key milestones in the process:
- 2014: Following Central Government directives, Kerala submitted a detailed proposal suggesting four locations across Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode.
- 2017: Land at Kinaloor in Kozhikode, owned by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), was recommended.
- 2024: In October, the Union Health Ministry approached the Union Finance Ministry to seek in-principle approval for the establishment of AIIMS in Kerala.
- 2026: The current government reviewed the matter and ordered the Health Department to identify new suitable locations and submit a fresh, detailed proposal.
Top Contenders and Potential Locations
Several districts are currently in the spotlight. Interestingly, the Union Health Minister has suggested that land adjoining the Nettukaltheri open prison in Thiruvananthapuram could be the most suitable location.
However, other districts have presented strong alternatives based on reports from their respective collectors:
Kottayam and Kasaragod
Two substantial land parcels have already been identified:
- Kottayam: 487.31 acres of land owned by KPPL in Velloor village.
- Kasaragod: 274.69 acres held by the Plantation Corporation in the Periya-Panayal area.
Thrissur and Alappuzha
In Thrissur, the District Collector suggested that the institute could be built by consolidating land belonging to the Government Press, Vaiga Threads, and Koratty Government Hospital in Chalakudy taluk.
The situation in Alappuzha is still pending. While a report on Pallippuram has been requested, it has not yet reached the government. Additionally, there has been a suggestion to use the 630-acre Manakkal paddy field at Purakkad, but no formal proposal has been received. The Minister clarified that if the Alappuzha District Collector confirms the suitability of the land, the government will consider it.
What Happens Next?
The reports from the collectors of Kasaragod, Thrissur, and Kottayam are currently under review by the Chief Minister. The state government is committed to submitting a comprehensive report to the Center, hoping for a favorable decision to finally sanction the AIIMS for Kerala and enhance the state's healthcare infrastructure.