Thiruvananthapuram, Aug. 4: Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi on Tuesday reiterated that the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) would be established in Kerala, while stressing that the premier medical institution should be located at a site offering the best connectivity and infrastructure.
Addressing the annual function of the Mangalam daily, the Union Minister said the process of setting up AIIMS in the State was still incomplete as the Kerala government had not yet finalised and forwarded all the required procedural formalities to the Centre.
He said the Centre would select a location that satisfies all technical and logistical requirements, ensuring that the institution serves the largest possible population. According to him, AIIMS should be established at a place that is easily accessible not only to people across Kerala but also to residents of neighbouring border regions, allowing patients to reach the facility quickly during medical emergencies.
Suresh Gopi maintained that the Centre remained committed to bringing AIIMS to Kerala and indicated that the final decision on its location would be guided by practical considerations as well as appropriate policy and administrative factors.
Responding to criticism over his earlier support for Alappuzha as a possible location, the minister said his remarks were not driven by regional interests. He argued that Alappuzha had historically lagged behind in terms of major development projects and deserved greater attention in infrastructure planning. The district, he said, has consistently remained on the margins of large-scale development initiatives and should not be overlooked when major national institutions are considered.
While he did not name a preferred location during his latest remarks, Suresh Gopi reiterated that the overriding priority should be identifying a site with comprehensive infrastructure, excellent transport connectivity and the capacity to serve people from across the State and adjoining regions.
The AIIMS project has long been a subject of political debate in Kerala, with several districts staking claim to host the premier healthcare and medical education institution.
