Madurai AIIMS gets green nod, to be completed in 33 months
Madurai: Five years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2019, construction has officially commenced at Thoppur. This milestone follows the recent environmental clearance granted by the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), according to AIIMS Madurai officials.
The entire project is expected to be completed within 33 months and the first phase of construction will be completed in 18 months.
The initiation of construction comes amid ongoing disputes between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its alliance parties, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government over the delayed progress of the project. The construction began with a ceremonial event attended by key officials from AIIMS and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the construction firm responsible for the project, reports Times of India.
"Phase one, which includes a medical college, hostels, inpatient department (IPD), outpatient department (OPD), emergency block, and other essential services, is projected to be completed within 18 months, with the entire project expected to be finished in 33 months," the statement read.
Spanning a vast built-up area of 231,782 square meters, the project includes 42 blocks. AIIMS Madurai will feature 900 beds, including a specialized 150-bed block dedicated to infectious diseases and a 30-bed Ayush block. The Ayush block will integrate Ayurveda, yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy with mainstream medical care. Dr M Hanumantha Rao, the executive director of AIIMS Madurai, emphasized that the institute is part of the prestigious AIIMS network, aimed at delivering high-standard healthcare, comprehensive medical education, and cutting-edge research, reports The Daily.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) was awarded the letter of acceptance (LoA) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Mar 4. "L&T emerged as the lowest bidder and received the contract for building construction and site development, valued at 1,118.35 crore. The total project cost of AIIMS Madurai has also increased from 1,977.8 crore to 2,021.51 crore," the statement added.
Despite the excitement surrounding the commencement of construction, students have had concerns. Three batches of MBBS students have already been admitted to AIIMS Madurai, which has been temporarily operating from the buildings of Ramanathapuram Government Medical College. These students have recently raised issues about the inadequate infrastructure that does not meet the standards of a national institution.
This move will provide the students with a state-of-the-art learning environment that aligns with the institution's national reputation.
A dedicated block for infectious diseases and the Ayush block highlights the comprehensive approach to healthcare, blending traditional and modern practices. As construction progresses, AIIMS Madurai is set to become a cornerstone of the region's medical education and healthcare services, addressing both current needs and future demands.
Also Read: AIIMS Madurai Construction: L&T wins order to build 720-bed hospital
