Consequently, Kerala has officially approached the Union government seeking clearance for a second medical college Thiruvananthapuram. During a high-level NHM review meeting, health minister K Muraleedharan urged Union minister J P Nadda to expedite approvals. Specifically, the state targets the start of admissions within the current academic year.
First, Upgrading the General Hospital
First, the state plans to upgrade the historic Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital. Furthermore, the state government asserts that this facility already possesses the necessary infrastructure and manpower. Upgrading the hospital will enable an annual intake of 100 MBBS students. Additionally, the minister requested the immediate release of Rs 150 crore in central assistance. This funding will support the necessary equipment and ward upgrades. However, the final approval depends on the Union Ministry’s green light.
Funding and Support for the Second Medical College Thiruvananthapuram
Meanwhile, J P Nadda highlighted a national allocation of Rs 15,000 crore to create 10,000 additional medical seats. Moreover, he assured the state that the Centre would consider Kerala’s proposal under this scheme. Therefore, local authorities remain optimistic about securing the clearance. This project aligns with Kerala’s recent budget commitment to expand medical education. Indeed, the state recently announced plans to establish two new medical colleges to reduce overcrowding.
AIIMS Kerala and PMSSY Healthcare Projects
Besides the second medical college Thiruvananthapuram, the state renewed its demand for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Muraleedharan informed the Union Minister that Kerala has already identified 10 potential sites. Consequently, he urged the Centre to complete the feasibility study and finalize the location. Nadda acknowledged this demand as legitimate and assured a time-bound completion of formalities.
Furthermore, Muraleedharan sought central assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). This aid will fund super-speciality blocks at medical colleges in Idukki, Manjeri, and Wayanad. Additionally, the state plans to build super-speciality hospitals at Haripad and Kalpetta. These projects will establish trauma care centres and burns units in all districts. Ultimately, these expansions will significantly strengthen emergency medicine services and patient care across Kerala.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which hospital will Kerala upgrade for the second medical college Thiruvananthapuram?
The state government plans to upgrade the Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital to establish this new medical college with an intake of 100 MBBS seats.
Q2: What is the estimated central assistance required for this medical college project?
Kerala has requested an immediate release of Rs 150 crore in central assistance from the Union government to fund the necessary infrastructure.
Q3: What other major healthcare projects is Kerala proposing under PMSSY?
Kerala is seeking central aid for super-speciality blocks in Idukki, Manjeri, and Wayanad, alongside super-speciality hospitals in Haripad and Kalpetta. For healthcare professionals looking to advance their clinical expertise, foundational training for new doctors is essential to supporting these upgraded facilities.
References
- Kerala seeks Union government’s approval for second medical college in statecapital – ETHealthworld
- Health dept is prepared to combat diseases: Minister K Muraleedharan – The New Indian Express
- Second medical college in Thiruvananthapuram; New medical college in Haripad, ‘Reach Kerala’ Project for health tourism – Kerala Kaumudi
Disclaimer: This article was automatically generated from publicly available sources and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. OC Academy does not exercise editorial control or claim authorship over this content. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider and refer to current local and national clinical guidelines.