Centre Clarifies Stand on AIIMS for Kerala Under PMSSY
The Union Government recently informed the Kerala High Court about the pending proposal for an AIIMS for Kerala.
In an official affidavit, the Centre stated that no budget announcement includes the proposed premier medical institute yet.
Furthermore, officials noted that any fresh approval depends on extending the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.
Currently, inter-ministerial consultations are reviewing the continuation of this central health scheme for another five years.
Judicial Observations on AIIMS for Kerala
The Division Bench comprised Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V M.
Significantly, the bench highlighted that the proposal has remained pending since 2016.
Therefore, the court directed the central government to make a prompt policy decision.
The judges also observed that high population density creates substantial pressure on local public hospitals.
Consequently, tertiary healthcare access remains a vital requirement for underprivileged patients in the state.
Centre Highlights Healthcare Priorities Under PMSSY
The Centre submitted that the PMSSY aims to rectify regional imbalances across Indian states.
Accordingly, the Union Ministry prioritises states that possess weaker healthcare systems.
However, the High Court questioned whether superior healthcare performance should penalise the state.
The court pointed out that private healthcare centres remain unaffordable for many poor families.
Moreover, central authorities confirmed that the Cabinet can only review projects after financial clearance.
Site Selection and PMSSY Investments
The state government has suggested several sites for the medical campus since 2014.
These proposed locations included Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, and Ernakulam.
Recently, the state administration expressed a clear preference for Kinaloor in Kozhikode district.
Meanwhile, the Centre underscored its previous investments in the state under the PMSSY program.
For instance, authorities constructed super-speciality blocks at medical colleges in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Alappuzha.
In addition, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute received a modern 170-bed super-speciality facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why has the Centre delayed approving AIIMS for Kerala?
The Centre explained that the PMSSY extension is under inter-ministerial review, and it prioritises states with weaker health infrastructure.
Q2: Which site did the state government prefer for AIIMS?
The Kerala government indicated Kinaloor in Kozhikode district as its preferred site for the medical institute.
Q3: What upgrades has PMSSY funded in Kerala?
The scheme funded super-speciality blocks at government medical colleges in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Alappuzha, and SCTIMST.
References
- AIIMS for Keralam under PMSSY not included in any budget announcement: Centre toHC - ETHealthworld
- Kerala High Court Questions Centre's Stand On Long-Pending AIIMS Proposal, Says State's Existing Healthcare Can't Be A "Handicap" - LiveLaw
- None of four sites proposed by Kerala for AIIMS approved by Centre under PMSSY - The Hindu
