State to Submit Four AIIMS Site Options to Centre, Promises Land and Hospital Infrastructure Support
The Kerala government is set to submit a list of four proposed locations to the Central government for the establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the state. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan informed the State Assembly that the proposals would be sent to the Centre on Tuesday, marking a fresh push to bring the premier healthcare institution to Kerala.
The minister expressed disappointment that Kerala has not yet been selected for an AIIMS despite repeated demands. He clarified that the state government would not insist on any specific location and would instead allow the Centre to inspect all four proposed sites before making the final decision.
“We will suggest four locations. We will not insist on any one location. They can carry out an inspection and take a decision. The government will provide the necessary land,” the minister said.
Government to Improve Infrastructure in State Hospitals
Alongside the AIIMS proposal, the Kerala government is also taking steps to improve healthcare infrastructure in government hospitals. Government medical colleges have been instructed to ensure that patients are not forced to lie on the floor due to overcrowding or shortage of beds.
The Health Department is expected to finalise a set of measures by next week to address the issue. One of the key proposals includes utilising vacant wards at the Government Hospital in Pulayanarkotta to accommodate patients from the Government Medical College (GMC), Thiruvananthapuram, thereby reducing pressure on the tertiary care facility.
Focus on Decongesting Major Hospitals
The latest announcement comes shortly after Health Minister K. Muraleedharan directed officials to strengthen the Peroorkada District Model Hospital to improve patient care and reduce overcrowding at major government hospitals.
During a review meeting with senior officials, the minister emphasised that existing healthcare services at the district hospital should be utilised more effectively and that expanding facilities would help divert patient load from the Government Medical College Hospital.
Kerala Strengthens Public Healthcare Network
The proposed AIIMS project, combined with ongoing efforts to expand hospital capacity and strengthen district-level healthcare institutions, reflects Kerala’s broader strategy to enhance public healthcare infrastructure and improve access to quality medical services across the state.
