Union Minister Suresh Gopi: Prioritising underdeveloped areas in setting up AIIMS

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Calling for a “strategic approach” in setting up the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala, Indian Minister Suresh Gopi said underdeveloped areas should be given priority in setting up the national institution as it could boost economic growth and improve infrastructure.

Speaking at an interactive session organised by the Fraternity of Trivandrum Professionals on Sunday, Suresh Gopi stressed the need to give priority to locations that would benefit most from development rather than focusing exclusively on major cities like Thiruvananthapuram.

“I am not saying that AIIMS should come to Thiruvananthapuram. We should be sensible. Places like Thiruvananthapuram are already equipped with health services. AIIMS should come to a place which has been completely sabotaged by strikes as it will be a foundation for major development,” said Suresh Gopi.

He pointed to the potential for a boost to the local economy, including the real estate and rental markets, and stressed the importance of creating new development zones.

“If AIIMS is a requirement for Kasaragod, it will come,” he said. Furthermore, he said that the profitability of Kochi Metro can be increased through expansions and that only joint installations can bring joint results.

He also stressed on the construction of a four-lane road from Madurai – via Cumbum, Theni in Tamil Nadu and Vandiperiyar, Mundakkayam, Kanjirappally, Kumarakom, Vaikom and Muhamma in Kerala – connecting Alappuzha to the national highway passing through Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country.

He said development should benefit the entire state, not just major cities or the interests of politicians and administrators.

Instead, he called for a thorough audit of the funds. He also suggested the formation of a consortium for Wayanad, which would be overseen by the Supreme Court to ensure transparency.

“Will the court be held accountable if the dam breaks?”

T'Puram: At a time when the landslides in Wayanad have reignited debates over the safety of the Mullaperiyar dam, Minister of State for Petroleum and Tourism Suresh Gopi sought to know who would be held responsible if the 128-year-old dam collapses. “Will the court be held responsible? Or will those who have obtained a favourable verdict from the court to remain in the present state be held responsible,” he asked on Sunday. Suresh Gopi said the safety of the dam was hanging like “thunder” over the hearts of the people. “We cannot afford to drown in tears again,” he said, referring to the landslides.