‘Did I say it will come in 2026?’: Suresh Gopi on Kerala’s AIIMS delay

Kollam: Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi on Wednesday highlighted that an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) was announced for Kerala in the 2016 Union Budget. Speaking at a press conference in Kollam, he alleged that the state government failed to take necessary steps to move the project forward, delaying its establishment for over a decade.

Gopi said that for AIIMS to be set up, the Kerala government needed to propose around four potential sites. Only after these sites are submitted could the Centre take a decision on the institute's location. He referenced the model followed in Kashmir, where state cooperation allowed for smooth establishment of the medical institute.

Proposed locations

While he did not commit to a specific site, Gopi suggested Alappuzha as a preferred location, citing inadequate health infrastructure and basic facilities there. Alternatively, he mentioned Thrissur for its central location, better infrastructure, and availability of space for development. Gopi clarified that even if preparations start now, AIIMS could realistically become operational in 2027 or 2028.

Speaking at a press conference in Kollam, Gopi said, “That is how AIIMS was set up in Kashmir,” highlighting the process Kerala could have followed by proposing potential sites to the Centre.

Gopi suggested preferred locations for the premier medical institute, noting, “Since 2015, I had been wanting the premier medical facility to come up in Alappuzha, where basic infrastructure and health facilities were in a poor condition. But, if not in Alappuzha, then it should come in Thrissur which is centrally located, does not have development-related bottlenecks and has more breathing space.” He emphasised that the delay was not due to the Centre, adding with irony, “Did I say it will come in 2026? Once the government indicates the proposed sites, there will be no hurdle in establishing an AIIMS in Kerala.”

Gopi also questioned why similar demands were not raised during the Congress-led UPA government, saying, “Why such demands and questions were not raised during the time of the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre when there were several ministers from Kerala.” His comments underscored ongoing political wrangling over state-level accountability in implementing central initiatives.

While discussing the Union Budget 2026–27, Gopi praised its long-term vision, stating, “The budget has been prepared with a long-term vision of what the country should be like in 2047. Due to political criticism, the central government has instructed MPs to inform people in all districts about the benefits of the budget.” His remarks tied the AIIMS issue to broader discussions of policy planning and governance.

Gopi noted that Kerala had several ministers in the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre, questioning why similar demands were not raised then. His remarks come amidst ongoing discussions over the 2026-27 Union Budget and its implications for healthcare and regional development.

During the press meet, Gopi praised the Union Budget’s long-term vision for India’s development up to 2047 and said MPs have been instructed to inform citizens about the budget’s benefits.

The delay highlights challenges in coordination between state and central governments for large-scale medical infrastructure projects. Observers note that timely site proposals and administrative support are critical for bringing a premier medical institute like AIIMS to Kerala.
(With PTI inputs)