Political News

Suresh Gopi says that without the foundation stone of an AIIMS being laid in Kerala, he ‘will not go to people seeking votes’ Union Minister Suresh Gopi has once again strongly advocated for the establishment of an AIIMS in Alappuzha, reiterating his long-standing demand to bring a premier national healthcare institution to Kerala. Emphasising the urgent need for advanced medical infrastructure in the state, the Union Minister said that Alappuzha, known for its strategic location and healthcare legacy, is ideally suited to host an AIIMS campus that can serve not only Kerala but also neighbouring states. Suresh Gopi highlighted that Kerala has consistently been at the forefront of public health indicators, yet lacks a centrally funded institution like AIIMS that offers world-class tertiary care, cutting-edge medical education, and high-end research facilities. According to him, establishing AIIMS in Alappuzha would significantly reduce the burden on existing government medical colleges, curb the need for patients to travel long distances for specialised treatment, and ensure affordable, quality healthcare for people from all socio-economic backgrounds. The Union Minister also underlined Alappuzha’s strong connectivity by road, rail, and waterways, along with the availability of suitable land and supportive local infrastructure, as key factors that strengthen its case. He noted that an AIIMS campus would act as a catalyst for regional development by generating employment opportunities, boosting allied health services, and promoting medical tourism in the region. Reaffirming his commitment, Suresh Gopi stated that he would continue to raise the issue at the national level and engage with the Union Health Ministry to push Kerala’s case forward. He urged the state government and political leadership to work in coordination with the Centre, set aside differences, and present a unified proposal to make the AIIMS project a reality. According to him, the establishment of AIIMS in Alappuzha is not merely a political demand, but a crucial step towards strengthening Kerala’s healthcare ecosystem and ensuring long-term public welfare.

The new Social Justice Department Office Complex inaugurated in Alappuzha marks a significant milestone in strengthening inclusive governance and public welfare administration in the district. Designed as a modern, citizen-friendly administrative hub, the complex brings multiple wings of the Social Justice Department under one roof, ensuring better coordination, efficiency, and accessibility for the public. The inauguration reflects the government’s continued commitment to social equity, empowerment of marginalized communities, and transparent service delivery. Built with contemporary architectural standards, the office complex features well-planned workspaces, dedicated public service counters, conference halls, digital infrastructure, and barrier-free access for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Special emphasis has been placed on inclusivity, with ramps, elevators, clear signage, and comfortable waiting areas that make the facility accessible to all sections of society. The complex is also equipped with energy-efficient systems and sustainable design elements, aligning with eco-friendly development goals. Functionally, the new complex is expected to significantly improve the implementation and monitoring of social welfare schemes related to women, children, senior citizens, differently-abled persons, transgender communities, and other vulnerable groups. By centralizing offices that were earlier scattered across different locations, the department can now offer faster grievance redressal, streamlined documentation, and improved inter-departmental coordination. This will reduce delays, minimize public inconvenience, and enhance the overall quality of service delivery. The inauguration of this office complex is more than just an infrastructure upgrade—it symbolizes Alappuzha’s progress toward a more compassionate and responsive administrative system. It stands as a visible assurance to the people that social justice, dignity, and equal opportunity remain at the core of development initiatives in the district, paving the way for stronger community support systems and inclusive growth in the years ahead.