Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 14 (IANS) The demand for a second medical college in Kerala’s Malappuram has run into a roadblock, with Health Minister K. Muraleedharan on Wednesday telling the Kerala Assembly that there was no scope for another institution in the district.
The Minister was replying to a notice by Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) legislator Kurukkoli Moideen, who sought a medical college at Tirur, citing Malappuram’s population and the ratio of patients to available medical facilities.
Muraleedharan said the second medical college in Thiruvananthapuram had been sanctioned with the Centre’s approval after an additional 100 medical seats were allotted.
The response comes against the backdrop of Malappuram’s importance to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second-largest ally in the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
The district has long been the League’s principal political stronghold, and demands for better healthcare facilities have remained an important local issue.
The IUML has traditionally sought a larger role in the state government whenever the UDF returns to power.
During the Oommen Chandy government’s 2011-16 tenure, the party secured a fifth Ministerial berth.
Following the UDF’s return to power under Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan after a decade in Opposition, the League was again reported to have sought an additional Cabinet berth, though the demand was not accepted.
The party subsequently secured a Cabinet-rank position for former legislator M.K. Muneer, who was appointed Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission.
It also holds key portfolios, including Industries, Public Works, Local Self-Government and Education.
The Tirur proposal now places the Kerala government in the position of having to explain why Malappuram does not require another medical college, despite the demand raised by one of the district’s legislators.
The CPI-M and the BJP, which have often criticised the Congress over its relationship with the IUML, could also seize on the issue.
For now, the Minister’s statement has made clear that the demand for a second medical college in Malappuram has not found favour with the Kerala government.
–IANS
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