Missing medical colleges: On the case of the Madurai AIIMS

Context: The Madurai AIIMS project illustrates the challenges of implementation despite lofty goals.

Initiatives to addressing gap in medical education:

• Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana was launched in 2003 for this purpose.
• Six AIIMS-like medical institutions were established under PMSSY in 2006.
• Currently, there are 20 operational AIIMS institutions and three under development.
• These institutions offer opportunities for students and expand healthcare education beyond urban areas.

Issues at AIIMS Madurai:

• AIIMS Madurai project exemplifies the gap between intentions and implementation.
• Persistent complaints include inadequate infrastructure and manpower constraints.
• Prime Minister laid the foundation stone in January 2019, but construction delays persist.
• Three batches of undergraduate students have been accommodated elsewhere due to the delay.
• The original goal of addressing the doctor-population ratio remains unresolved.

The way ahead:

• Both the Centre and the State must collaborate to ensure quality education and avoid victimizing students due to federal issues.

Source: The Hindu