Kerala may get central Ayurveda institute on AIIMS model; Ayiroor in Varkala gets top priority

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is likely to get an All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) announced by the Union AYUSH Ministry on the lines of AIIMS. The state Health Department has submitted a preliminary report to the Union AYUSH Ministry, recommending three locations- Ayiroor in Varkala, Cheemeni in Kasaragod and Athirappilly in Chalakudy, Thrissur.

The proposed campuses will be modelled on the All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi. They will offer Ayurvedic treatment, postgraduate education, research and super-speciality services. The institute will also have a status similar to that of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

The land in Ayiroor was earlier identified for the Global Ayurveda Village project. The project was proposed at the Emerging Kerala summit in 2012, with an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore to be implemented in three phases. As the project did not materialise, the land is now being considered for the proposed All India Institute of Ayurveda.

Around 40 acres of land have already been acquired, with scope for acquiring more. Varkala is considered a strong contender because it is a major tourist destination, which could also boost medical tourism.

The Athirappilly panchayat has informed the state government that it can provide the infrastructure required for the institute. The Union AYUSH Ministry has asked the state Health Department to conduct a detailed study and submit a report.

Why Kerala has an advantage

1. Ayurveda treatment in Kerala has a global reputation.
2. The state offers traditional Ayurvedic treatment as well.
3. Kerala's status as a major tourist destination offers strong potential for medical tourism.
4. The state has access to medicinal plants and traditional knowledge related to them.

Three new AIIA campuses proposed

• The Union AYUSH Ministry has invited proposals for setting up three new All India Institute of Ayurveda campuses. Letters were sent to the chief secretaries of states and Union Territories, including Kerala.
• The institutes will be allocated to the states that secure the highest scores based on factors such as land availability, infrastructure, government commitment and implementation capacity.