Kerala HC Demands Clarity From Centre on AIIMS Proposal
The Kerala High Court recently scrutinized the Union Government regarding the long-standing demand for an AIIMS in Kerala. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar questioned the prolonged delay. Furthermore, the bench asked whether the presence of private tertiary hospitals acts as a disqualification for the state. The judges emphasized that advanced healthcare indicators should never become a barrier to establishing premier national institutions. Consequently, the court granted six weeks to the Centre to file a comprehensive response.
Judicial Concerns Regarding AIIMS in Kerala
The court heard public interest litigations advocating for the premier hospital in regions like Kasaragod. During the hearing, the judges challenged the notion that high healthcare standards eliminate the need for subsidized tertiary care. Chief Justice Soumen Sen observed that ordinary citizens cannot always afford expensive private care. In addition, the bench highlighted that Delhi received an AIIMS despite having an affluent population. The court also observed that several other Indian states host multiple AIIMS facilities. Therefore, Kerala deserves an equitable evaluation based on its high population density and public healthcare needs.
Centre's Arguments and Procedural Bottlenecks
Meanwhile, the Deputy Solicitor General explained the rationale behind the Centre's allocation priorities. The Union Government stated that it currently prioritizes states with weaker healthcare delivery networks under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana. Moreover, the Centre explained that the proposal requires inter-ministerial consultations before Cabinet approval. However, the High Court directed authorities to identify the exact criteria that Kerala failed to satisfy. The bench noted that Kerala submitted site recommendations years ago. Thus, administrative inertia must not delay vital public medical infrastructure any longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why is the establishment of an AIIMS in Kerala currently delayed?
The Centre submitted that it prioritizes regions with weaker healthcare systems and requires inter-ministerial clearance before Cabinet approval.
Q2: What did the Kerala High Court observe regarding private healthcare facilities?
The bench observed that private hospitals cannot replace affordable public tertiary institutions, noting that vulnerable populations require subsidized care.
Q3: How much time did the High Court grant the Centre to reply?
The court granted the Central Government six weeks to clarify its specific criteria and stance on the project.
References
- AIIMS for Keralam: HC tells Centre to clarify stand - ETHealthworld
- Kerala High Court Questions Centre Over Long-Pending AIIMS Proposal, Says State's Existing Healthcare Can't Be A \"Handicap\" - LiveLaw
- Not everyone can afford Aster: Kerala High Court urges Centre to prioritise establishing AIIMS in State - Bar and Bench
