Kerala High Court Demands Action on AIIMS Establishment, Sets Deadline for Central Government
The Kerala High Court made a significant observation on Wednesday, emphasizing that the requirement for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the state is a matter of serious concern that cannot be overlooked. In a decisive move, the court directed that a competent officer, preferably from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), must appear virtually on March 11. This step aims to facilitate the resolution of the ongoing issue regarding the establishment of the proposed AIIMS in Kerala.
Court's Order and Background of the Petition
A bench led by Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar issued this order in response to a petition filed by AIIMS Kasaragod Janakeeya Koottayma, a public action group advocating for the institute's establishment in the Kasaragod district. Previously, the court had noted that the state government had already selected a site at Kinaloor in Kozhikode for the proposed AIIMS. Consequently, it had directed the central government to conduct a feasibility study in coordination with the state government to determine if the Kinaloor site adheres to the guidelines for setting up an AIIMS in Kerala. Additionally, the court had mandated the central government to file an affidavit detailing its findings.
Delays and Court's Firm Stance
However, during Wednesday's hearing, the court expressed frustration over the lack of compliance with its directives. Despite repeated orders, the MoHFW has failed to submit any affidavit indicating whether the proposed site meets the necessary guidelines. When the central government's counsel requested an additional four weeks to file the affidavit, the court firmly denied this extension and granted only two weeks. The bench highlighted that the decision on this matter has been pending since January 2025 and cannot be delayed indefinitely, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Central Government's Arguments and Court's Response
In defense, counsel for the Union government argued that funds for establishing AIIMS are allocated through the national budget. They pointed out that, as of now, no budgetary allocation has been made for an AIIMS in Kerala, even though 22 AIIMS have been allotted across the country. In response, the court reiterated that the establishment of an AIIMS in Kerala is already under consideration. The state government had proactively selected the Kinaloor site and recommended it to the central government for the institute's establishment. The bench clarified that conducting the feasibility study is now the responsibility of the central government, emphasizing the need for prompt action.
Next Steps and Adjournment
The court has adjourned the petition to March 11, scheduling it for the filing of the reply affidavit and further consideration. This hearing will be crucial in determining the future of the proposed AIIMS in Kerala, as the court continues to push for accountability and progress in addressing the healthcare needs of the state.
