MBBS classes for AIIMS Madurai for 50 students have been started since April 2022 from a temporary campus at Government Medical College, Ramanathapuram in consultation with the Government of Tamil Nadu. Currently there are 99 students admitted for MBBS course. As of now a total of 12 departments are functional with faculties in each department viz. Anatomy, Physiology, Community and Family Medicine, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, General Medicine, Paediatrics, General Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynaecology departments.

For setting up of AIIMS Madurai, pre-investment activity including the construction of boundary wall has been completed. Project Management Consultant (PMC) has been appointed on 07.06.2023. The project implementation has taken time since the project was decided to be taken up under Extra Budgetary Resource (EBR) Funding through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Accordingly, after preparation of Inception Report, Campus Master Plan, Facility Planning, Hospital Design Concept and Equipment planning, the Loan Agreement was signed between Government of Japan and Government of India on 26th March, 2021. Since the Cabinet approved project cost was Rs. 1264 crore and the revised cost was estimated at Rs. 1977.8 crore by JICA on account of inclusion of 150 bedded Infectious Disease Block and some other additions, the Ministry constituted Revised Cost Estimate Committee (RCC) to examine the matter in detail. Thereafter the Ministry submitted the proposal for financial appraisal along with report of RCC to the Department of Expenditure (DoE). After examination, the DoE appraised and approved the proposal and the same has been approved by this Ministry on 11.10.2022.

Out of total project cost of Rs.1977.8 crore, 82% of the cost will be covered by loan from JICA and remaining will be funded by Government of India. As per the loan agreement, the disbursement procedure for JICA loan for setting up of AIIMS Madurai is Commitment Procedure and Reimbursement Procedure. Government of India has released Rs.12.35 crore for pre- investment activity including construction of boundary wall. Total Grant-in-aid released till date under salaries, capital and general head by government of India for AIIMS Madurai is Rs.69.99 crore. As per the loan agreement, the project implementation period would be 5 years and 8 months (from March 2021 to October 2026).

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.