TIRUCHY: The Federation of consumer and service organisation has appealed to the Union Government to set up the proposed AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences)-like institution in Tamil Nadu on merit especially under the criteria method. In its letter-cum-legal notice to the Union health secretary, the Federation's secretary S.Annadurai pointed out that the Centre has proposed to set up AIIMS-like hospital in five states including one at Tamil Nadu, but even after more than two years, there is no announcement in setting it up in Tamil Nadu while the project has started in other states.
The Government of Tamil Nadu had forwarded its remarks after studying criteria index for all five places and recommended setting up AIIMS at Sengipatti in Thanjavur district. But, some people of Madurai had vainly cried and some of the influential politicians are now attempting to locate the proposed AIIMS at Madurai. In fact, the existing Government hospital at Madurai, which is now being upgraded under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) is nearing completion, he added.Mr. Annadurai further said that Sengipatti at Tamil Nadu is situated in the central part of the state and within 50-km radius of districts like Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Ariyalur districts. The consumer forum's secretary appealed to the Union Government to select the site for the AIIMS-like institute in Tamil Nadu on merit, as assured by the Prime Minister's office as well as Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. He said his client and President of the Federation M.Sekaran was expecting the government's response within seven days .
