The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Madurai is expected to commence its first phase of hospital operations with 150 beds in January 2027, marking a significant step towards making the long-awaited medical institution operational.
AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP I.S. Inbadurai shared the update after meeting AIIMS Madurai Director Dr Vir Singh Negi to review the progress of construction and preparations at the Thoppur campus.
Inbadurai, who was appointed to the institute’s governing body by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in September, said he was informed that construction activities were nearing their final stages and that the hospital would initially operate with 150 beds.
Outpatient Services Scheduled for January 1
The latest development follows an earlier assurance by the Union government to the Madras High Court on September 17 that full-fledged outpatient department (OPD) services would begin at AIIMS Madurai on January 1, 2027.
While the government’s submission confirmed the proposed commencement of outpatient services, it did not provide a specific timeline for inpatient facilities. Inbadurai’s latest statement indicates that the institute is preparing to introduce 150-bed hospital services during the same month.
Construction Progress and Campus Development
According to the status report submitted by the Centre, overall construction progress was projected to reach 59% by the end of September 2026. Phase 1 works were expected to achieve 88% completion, while Phase 2 construction was estimated at 35%.
The institute has also made progress in its academic operations. Five batches of MBBS students, who had been attending classes at Ramanathapuram Government Medical College under temporary arrangements, were relocated to the AIIMS Madurai campus at Thoppur by August 31.
Project Development Since 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for AIIMS Madurai in January 2019. However, actual construction work commenced in May 2024, several years after the project’s announcement.
The institution is being developed with substantial financial assistance through a Japanese development loan.
The proposed launch of 150-bed services in January 2027 would represent an important milestone in the institute’s phased operationalisation, although the timeline for completing the entire hospital project remains separate from the initial service rollout.