The Kasaragod district is one step closer to establishing an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) as Collector Arjun Pandian has submitted a detailed proposal to the state government. The report, which includes a recommendation for a 274.69-acre site at Periye, was delivered to the Secretary of the Health Department following an inspection that responded to a request from Rajmohan Unnithan,a local Member of Parliament.
Pandian prepared the proposal within a swift ten-day timeframe,adhering to government directives . It features a digital survey sketch,aerial drone footage,and photographs of the proposed site, which he asserts meets all criteria set by the Union government for establishing an AIIMS-level super-specialty hospital and medical college.
Central to the proposal are the requirements for a minimum of 200 acres of land, adequate road connectivity, and sufficient access to water and electricity. The Periye site,comprising 274.69 acres of contiguous land owned by the Plantation Corporation of Kerala (PCK), fulfills these essential criteria. Pandian emphasized that the area boasts robust road,rail, and air connectivity, being conveniently located near National Highway 66 and accessible transport facilities.
Nearby railway stations, such as Kanhangad and Kasaragod,enhance region's connectivity,while Mangaluru and Kannur international airports provide air travel options . Mayilatti power station and Mavungal substation are positioned to ensure a reliable electricity supply for the proposed institution.
The establishment of AIIMS in Kasaragod holds particular promise for victims of pesticide exposure,notably those affected by endosulfan. The facility is envisioned as a center for specialized treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care for these individuals,addressing a pressing health crisis in the district.
Furthermore, the proposed institution aims to bolster medical education and public health initiatives through partnerships with local entities such as the Central University of Kerala, ICAR, CPCRI,and HAL. The inclusion of a helipad is expected to facilitate emergency air ambulance services,enhancing the region's healthcare response capabilities.
Pandian noted that government could facilitate the land transfer through the Revenue Department,following model similar to the earlier allocation of PCK land for the Central University of Kerala. proposal also considers welfare of the 28 daily wage workers currently employed at PCK site,suggesting their rehabilitation through employment opportunities in security, cleaning, and maintenance roles at new institution .
In addition to addressing immediate health needs, the project is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities in the region. Pandian highlighted broader significance of the proposed AIIMS,suggesting that Periye could evolve into a key tertiary healthcare hub for northern Kerala and the neighboring districts of Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu in Karnataka.
