AIIMS in Kerala: Union Minister Suresh Gopi bats again for Alappuzha, calls district 'destroyed by Communism’

Thrissur (Kerala): Union Minister Suresh Gopi reiterated his demand for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Alappuzha, describing the district as "destroyed by Communist ideologies" and underdeveloped. He said the AIIMS could play a key role in the district’s reconstruction and overall upliftment.

Speaking at his ‘SG Coffee Times’ interaction programme in Thrissur, Gopi said that Alappuzha lacks adequate medical facilities. He urged residents of Thrissur to pray to Our Lady of Lourdes and Vadakkumnathan for the district to get AIIMS.

"I have only one father," he said, emphasizing that his stance on AIIMS for Alappuzha has remained consistent since 2016, long before he became an MP.

Gopi clarified that no promises had been made regarding AIIMS in Thrissur, and stressed that this is not about politics or regionalism. He noted that his views and demands have remained consistent over time.

On infrastructure and transport issues, Gopi suggested routes for improved connectivity, including the Kochi Metro–Ankamali route via Paliakara to Coimbatore and another route via Nattika, Thriprayar, Guruvayur to Thanur. He also mentioned the need for implementing a uniform civil code to ensure equality under the law.

He concluded by noting that discussions at the programme largely focused on issues of the marginalised and underdeveloped sections, while reiterating his demand for an AIIMS in Alappuzha to help uplift the district.

(With PTI inputs)