Kozhikode AIIMS: MP MK Raghavan expresses displeasure over Suresh Gopi’s 'forget it' remark

Kozhikode: MP M.K. Raghavan on Thursday expressed his displeasure over Union Minister Suresh Gopi's remarks on the long-pending demand for an AIIMS in Kozhikode.

Suresh Gopi addressed the media regarding AIIMS during his recent visit to Kozhikode, a day after taking charge as the Union Minister for Petroleum and Tourism. When questioned about MP M.K. Raghavan’s demand for an AIIMS in Kozhikode, Suresh Gopi offhandedly dismissed it as wishful thinking. He stated that he had already expressed his opinion in 2016 on the location of AIIMS in Kerala and criticised Raghavan’s demand as being guided by ulterior motives.

Raghavan's response followed promptly. He asserted that it was the state government that identified land for AIIMS in Kinalur, and there was no personal vested interest involved. Speaking to the media in Kozhikode, Raghavan added that a central team had visited Kinalur and found the land satisfactory. He emphasised that discussions like this should not jeopardise the opportunity for the establishment of AIIMS.

“The establishment of an AIIMS in Kerala has been under discussion for more than 15 years. 150 acres of land have been acquired for this purpose. Since space was an issue, the state government selected Kinalur, where land was available. Suresh Gopi should consult with the state government on this matter. Dismissing it by saying ‘forget it’ after coming to Kozhikode is not correct. AIIMS is not a trivial issue. I do not know on what basis he made such comments, but I will be holding a discussion with him,” Raghavan said.

Raghavan reiterated that the state government had taken proactive steps to facilitate the establishment of AIIMS in Kozhikode and urged Suresh Gopi to reconsider his stance. He highlighted the importance of AIIMS for the region and stressed that such a significant issue should not be dismissed lightly. 

He also called for a collaborative approach between state and central authorities to ensure that the longstanding demand for an AIIMS in Kozhikode is realised, benefiting the people of Kerala.