We appeal to the Government of India and the Tamil Nadu State Government to consider Salem as the ideal location for the upcoming AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) in Tamil Nadu. This move will serve over 1 crore people across underserved districts, improve healthcare equity, and promote balanced regional development.

 

To:
- Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
- Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare
- NITI Aayog
- Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
- Elected MPs and MLAs from Tamil Nadu

We, the undersigned citizens, respectfully submit that Salem, Tamil Nadu is the most strategic and deserving location for the new AIIMS institute in the state. Here is why:

 
1. Salem Serves Underserved Regions
The central-northwestern belt of Tamil Nadu—Salem, Dharmapuri, Namakkal, Erode, Krishnagiri, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai—lacks access to advanced medical infrastructure. Major health institutions are concentrated in Chennai, Coimbatore, or Madurai, forcing rural populations to travel hundreds of kilometers for basic or specialized treatment.

AIIMS in Salem would ensure that millions of rural and semi-urban residents get access to free, quality healthcare.

 
2. Central Location & Superb Connectivity
Salem is:

Geographically central, acting as a natural hub for surrounding districts.
Well connected by road, with 4 national highways.
A major railway junction, connecting to all parts of Tamil Nadu and beyond.S

Served by a domestic airport, with expanding potential.
This makes it an ideal choice for accessibility and patient reach.

 
3. Availability of Land and Infrastructure
Salem has large tracts of government-owned land available with minimal displacement concerns. Locations near Omalur, Ayothiyapattinam, or near the IT park offer immediate infrastructure support, water supply, and electricity, which can accelerate AIIMS construction.

 
4. Occupational & Industrial Health Needs
Salem is home to heavy industries such as:

- SAIL’s Salem Steel Plant
- Magnesite and mining industries
- Textile and auto-parts manufacturing

Thousands of workers suffer from chronic health conditions due to industrial exposure. An AIIMS here would improve occupational health outcomes, enable research on industrial diseases, and offer advanced care to the working class.

 
5. Educational & Medical Ecosystem Readiness
With a growing base of engineering and medical colleges, Salem can supply skilled talent to support AIIMS. It also provides opportunities for medical research collaboration, public health programs, and community outreach.

 
6. Balanced Growth and Equity
Tamil Nadu has historically seen development focused in certain regions. An AIIMS in Salem would promote balanced regional development, create thousands of jobs, boost local economy, and strengthen trust in government institutions among people of interior districts.

 
Our Request
We urge the Central and State Governments to:

Reassess the site selection criteria for AIIMS in Tamil Nadu

Consider the strategic, healthcare, and humanitarian advantages of locating AIIMS in Salem

Act in favor of regional equity, faster access to care, and long-term public benefit

Let us make “AIIMS in Salem” a reality for a healthier, more inclusive Tamil Nadu.

 
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