Government Approve New Ayurveda Medical College Hospital in Udumbanchola, Idukki

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has accorded administrative sanction of Rs. 2.20 crore for initiating operations at the newly established Government Ayurveda Medical College Hospital in Udumbanchola, Idukki district. The order was issued by the Health Minister, Veena George. The hospital will initially operate out of the community hall premises provided free of cost by the Udumbanchola Gram Panchayat.

The sanctioned funds include allocations for furniture (Rs.29.01 lakh), computer and office stationery (Rs. 4.09 lakh), medical equipment and associated infrastructure (Rs. 64.54 lakh), consumables and chemicals (Rs. 22.70 lakh), and additional instruments (Rs. 98.29 lakh). The government aims to complete the facility setup promptly to commence hospital services at the earliest.

The hospital is designed to provide both outpatient (OP) and inpatient (IP) care, with an initial capacity of 50 beds. It will have eight speciality OP departments alongside essential units such as reception, registration, emergency services, diagnostic zones, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, yoga, and dispensary services. Staffing proposals for the first phase outpatient services are currently under governmental review.

Establishing an Ayurveda Medical College in Idukki fulfills a long-standing local demand, given the district’s significant population dependent on Ayurvedic treatment. The commencement of the college hospital will enhance access to specialized Ayurvedic healthcare services within the region.

The medical college building is being developed on a 20.85-acre site at Mattuthavala, Udumbanchola, acquired by former Minister M.M. Mani. While construction of the college facilities progresses, healthcare delivery will begin from the community hall to ensure uninterrupted service provision to the public.

Under the Idukki Development Package, Rs. 10 crore was previously allocated for constructing an outpatient department complex during the 2022-23 financial year. Tendering and construction activities are underway. Additionally, Rs. 1 crore was sanctioned in the 2024-25 budget for building a 272-meter perimeter wall, with a further Rs. 1 crore approved for the 2025-26 financial year to complete the boundary and entrance gate infrastructure.

In compliance with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine guidelines, the second phase will focus on increasing inpatient bed capacity to 100 and initiating construction of administrative and academic blocks. These developments will facilitate the admission of students.