Union Health Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda on Saturday confirmed that Kerala will get an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Addressing the BJP State Executive meeting in Thiruvananthapuram, Nadda said the Centre is seriously considering the state’s long-pending demand. “The proposal for an AIIMS in Kerala is recognized, and it will be announced at the appropriate time and place,” he stated, as reported by IANS.
He added that setting up such institutes is part of the Union government’s larger vision to expand medical education and healthcare services nationwide.
The Kerala government, led by Health Minister Veena George, has repeatedly pressed for an AIIMS, citing the urgent need for advanced research facilities and quality healthcare. “The people of Kerala have long awaited an AIIMS, and we hope the Centre will prioritize this request,” George said.
While potential sites such as Kinalur in Kozhikode have been identified, the final decision rests with the Union government. Meanwhile, Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi has openly backed Alappuzha as the preferred location, citing poor healthcare infrastructure in the district. He also suggested Thrissur as an alternative if Alappuzha faces hurdles.
Gopi’s remarks have triggered internal friction within the Kerala BJP, with senior leaders clarifying that the party’s official stance is to leave the decision entirely to the Centre.
