THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala got two Vande Bharat trains for a quicker trip around the state. Now the hope is an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for cutting-edge treatment and research. For this, the state government has acquired 252 acres of land at Kinalur, Kozhikode. In 2014, the centre announced that if 200 acres of land is given, AIIMS can be realized. Even though there are 25 AIIMS in the country, Kerala's wait continues.

AIIMS may be sanctioned by the Centre before the Lok Sabha elections. The government has stepped up pressure on Delhi for this. "Kerala Kaumudi" had published several reports pointing out the discrimination in not allocating AIIMS to Kerala.

Locations in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Kozhikode were found for AIIMS. After this, MPs and the state government put constant pressure. Then the Union Health Ministry made a recommendation to the Finance Ministry but no further action was taken.

Apart from the 153 acres of land acquired by the Industries Department in Kinalur, 99 acres of private land has been acquired and a compound wall has been constructed. The government has also given permission to hand over all the documents to the centre immediately. The private land acquired has also been allowed for land type conversion.

Specialties of AIIMS

Expert treatment for free

World class research

Skilled doctors

Training for other doctors

50 study departments and centres

Brain biobanks

Hospital with 750 beds

20 super specialty departments

300 emergency beds

Up to 200 MBBS seat

Excellent nursing studies

Expected cost for AIIMS- Rs 2000 crores