AIIMS: Still a pipe dream in Kerala

‘AIIMS coming to Kerala’ has been reverberating since the time of Dr Manmohan Singh’s prime ministerial tenure. Even after Narendra Modi's government ascended to power, the promises were repeated every time Parliament convened but nothing big happened. What is prolonging an announcement one may ask.

Before every parliamentary session, the Kerala MPs would engage in a meeting. AIIMS would always be at the top of the list on the agenda. Along with AIIMS, railway-related needs are also prioritized. But in these two issues, there is an extremely discriminatory approach towards the state from the centre.

The first days of Parliament were completely wasted on the Adani-Sambhal issue. Kerala's AIIMS demand was again raised in the Rajya Sabha when it was agreed to continue the session without fuss from Tuesday. The issue was raised by CPM member John Brittas. Health Minister JP Nadda replied that Kerala's demand was currently not under the central government's consideration. It was the same Health Minister, who in the last parliamentary meeting said that the Government was actively considering Kerala’s AIIMS demand. What should we believe?

It is generally believed that what ministers say in Parliament carries credibility. But the central administrators are now taking Kerala for a ride, downplaying every demand the state raises. Twenty AIIMS are currently functioning in different states. BJP ruling Uttar Pradesh alone has got two AIIMS. Necessary steps have been taken to start five more in 2025 all across the country. However, Kerala has not made it into the list.

All the basic facilities required to start AIIMS are available anywhere in Kerala. So it is surprising to see the ignorance Kerala receives every time the demand gets raised. More than two locations have been found for the project in Kerala. Necessary tests have also been done. Everything is easily accessible once permission is granted.

Though there is no dearth of medical colleges here, Kerala has been yearning for a hospital with elite facilities for many years. During PM Manmohan Singh’s tenure, there were eight central government ministers from Kerala alone. None could work out ways to bring AIIMS to the state.

The Central government must be convinced that the state's demand for AIIMS is not out of greed but an imperative need. The rest of the work lies with the government and the elected MPs.