Union Health Ministry informs Madurai Bench that preparations are underway to operationalise full-fledged outpatient services as permanent campus development progresses
Full-fledged outpatient department (OPD) services at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Madurai are scheduled to commence on January 1, 2027, the Union Health Ministry informed the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.
The submission was made during the hearing of two public interest litigations concerning the prolonged development of AIIMS Madurai and delays in commencing its academic and healthcare services.
Taking note of the Centre’s submission regarding the proposed OPD launch, the High Court disposed of both petitions.
OPD Preparations Underway
A communication issued by the Deputy Director of AIIMS Madurai to the Deputy Solicitor General stated that preparations were underway to operationalise the OPD in accordance with directions from the Union Health Ministry.
The matter was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice CV Karthikeyan.
The two PILs were filed in 2021 and 2024 and sought judicial intervention to accelerate the construction of the institute and facilitate the commencement of academic and healthcare services.
Permanent Campus Development Progress
During the proceedings, the Centre also submitted an update on the development of the permanent AIIMS Madurai campus.
Overall development was expected to reach 59% by the end of September 2026. Phase I was reported to be substantially ahead of Phase II, with approximately 88% of Phase I work and 35% of Phase II work expected to be completed by that time.
The progress update was submitted as part of the information placed before the High Court regarding the institute’s transition towards its permanent campus.
MBBS Students Shifted to Permanent Campus
AIIMS Madurai has also started transitioning its MBBS students to the permanent campus.
Students from all five batches admitted between 2021 and 2025 were shifted in phases from the temporary arrangement in Ramanathapuram after hostel and dining facilities became available at Madurai.
According to the communication submitted before the court, the relocation was completed on August 31, 2026.
The move represents another stage in the transition of AIIMS Madurai from its temporary arrangement towards operations from its permanent campus.
OPD Launch to Expand Healthcare Services
The proposed January 1, 2027 launch is expected to bring the permanent AIIMS Madurai facility into direct use for outpatient healthcare services.
With the January 2027 timeline placed on record before the Madras High Court, preparations are now underway to operationalise the full-fledged OPD services by the stated date.
The development is also part of the broader transition of the institute, involving permanent campus construction, student relocation and expansion of healthcare services.
Important Highlights
- AIIMS Madurai full-fledged OPD services are scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027.
- The Union Health Ministry informed the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court about the proposed launch.
- The court was hearing two PILs filed in 2021 and 2024 concerning delays in AIIMS Madurai’s development and commencement of services.
- Overall permanent campus development was expected to reach 59% by the end of September 2026.
- Around 88% of Phase I and 35% of Phase II work were expected to be completed by that time.
- MBBS students from all five batches admitted between 2021 and 2025 were shifted to the permanent campus, with relocation completed on August 31, 2026.
