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Kozhikode MP M.K.Raghavan has stated that Kinaloor in the district is the best and the most acceptable location for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Kerala and brushed away all claims to the contrary. The MP’s statement comes close on heels of the controversy triggered by Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi through his suggestion to set up AIIMS either in Alappuzha or Thrissur. “The north Kerala region has fewer institutions under the three-tier health-care system and hence needs AIIMS more,” the MP said in a press release. 151.58 acres acquired It has been over 10 years since land was identified in Kinaloor for the AIIMS. The State government is also strongly proposing Kinaloor as the best option while three other options were provided to the Centre. So far 151.58 acres of land have been acquired for the purpose while the acquisition is in progress for another 100 acres. “I have raised this issue in Parliament several times. Union Minister for Health J.P. Nadda, answering one of my queries, once said that Kerala will be considered in the next stage of Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY),” Mr. Raghavan said. For neighbours too He pointed out that it was the duty of the State government to identify land for the AIIMS and that the Central team that carried out a site visit had also favoured Kozhikode. He called upon the political leaders of Kerala to put the interests of the State first. “An AIIMS in Kinaloor will be beneficial not just for the State, but for north-western Tamil Nadu and south-western Karnataka as well,” he said. Mr.Raghavan said that he had raised the issue of AIIMS several times with the Prime Minister and Union Health Minister. “I have raised this issue in Parliament 18 times, as submissions, questions and presentations during Zero Hour. Besides, I have directly met the authorities concerned around 15 times for this purpose. I also presented a private Bill demanding an amendment to the AIIMS Act,” he said, expressing hope that the demand of Kerala would be met soon.
