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PM Modi to Inaugurate AIIMS Madurai Phase 1 on Feb 28 After Delays

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the AIIMS campus in Madurai on February 28. The project, announced before the 2019 elections, has been delayed due to land acquisition and funding issues, becoming a political flashpoint. The initial phase will see students shifted from a temporary facility and limited hospital services opened to the public. The inauguration holds significant political weight with state Assembly elections approaching this year.

Key Points: PM Modi to Inaugurate AIIMS Madurai First Phase on Feb 28

  • Inauguration set for Feb 28
  • Project faced land and funding delays
  • Partial services to start by March
  • Academic year begins 2026-27
  • A political flashpoint ahead of state polls
2 min read

PM Modi to inaugurate 1st phase of AIIMS Madurai on Feb 28

PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first phase of AIIMS Madurai on Feb 28, a key healthcare project ahead of Tamil Nadu polls after years of delays.

"The Prime Minister has conveyed his consent to launch the initial phase of operations during his proposed visit. - M. Hanumantha Rao"

Chennai, Feb 5

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the long-awaited first phase of the AIIMS campus at Thoppur in Tamil Nadu's Madurai on February 28, marking a significant milestone for one of the state's most debated healthcare projects, Bharatiya Janata Party sources said on Thursday.

The institute, announced ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, has faced repeated delays over land acquisition and funding issues, turning it into a persistent political flashpoint between the Centre and the state government.

According to AIIMS Madurai Executive Director and CEO M. Hanumantha Rao, the Prime Minister has conveyed his consent to launch the initial phase of operations during his proposed visit.

Officials said the campus is now nearing readiness, with partial services expected to begin by March after years of slow progress.

As part of the first phase, students currently studying at the temporary AIIMS facility in Ramanathapuram will be shifted to the permanent Madurai campus.

Academic activities are scheduled to commence from the 2026-27 academic year.

In addition, select hospital blocks and basic medical services will be opened to the public, enabling the institute to start functioning in a limited but meaningful capacity.

The inauguration carries considerable political weight ahead of the upcoming state Assembly polls scheduled to be held earlier this year.

The AIIMS project has frequently featured in Tamil Nadu's electoral debates, with the ruling DMK accusing the Centre of announcing the premier institution without ensuring timely execution.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently criticised the prolonged delays, reiterating that the state deserved faster implementation of such critical healthcare infrastructure.

Party sources indicate that Prime Minister Modi's Madurai visit will also include the inauguration of other completed development works and participation in a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) public meeting with allies in the state.

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders say that inaugurating AIIMS just months ahead of the elections could provide the NDA with substantial political mileage, showcasing the Centre's commitment to strengthening healthcare and development in the region.

While the Prime Minister's detailed itinerary is yet to be finalised, the Madurai event is expected to draw significant public and political attention across the state.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
AIIMS in Madurai is a dream come true for South Tamil Nadu. The temporary campus in Ramanathapuram was just not enough. This will reduce so much burden on families. Kudos to all the officials and workers who got it ready. Wishing the students and staff all the best!
M
Michael C
While the inauguration is positive, we must acknowledge this has become a political football. The article clearly states it's a "persistent political flashpoint." It's unfortunate that critical healthcare infrastructure gets delayed due to Centre-State tussles. The focus should always be on the patients.
S
Siddharth J
Timing is everything, isn't it? Inaugurating in February for elections likely later this year. Whatever the politics, if the hospital starts functioning and serves the people, that's what ultimately matters. Hope the full-fledged services begin soon and it becomes a hub of medical excellence.
A
Anjali F
As a medical student from TN, this is huge news! An AIIMS in our state, especially in Madurai, will create so many opportunities for aspiring doctors and improve healthcare access. The 2026-27 academic start seems far, but at least the first phase is happening. Can't wait to see it!
K
Karthik V
Good step. But let's be honest, the delays over land and funding show poor coordination. Both the central and state governments need to work together for such projects. Now that it's ready, hope they ensure adequate staffing, equipment, and funds for running it properly. Jai Hind.

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