Amid continuing uncertainty over the location of the proposed All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has assured that Velloor in Kottayam will be given priority when the Centre takes the final call on the site. According to K. Francis George, Lok Sabha member representing Kottayam, Mr Nadda gave the assurance while receiving a memorandum seeking consideration of Velloor as the site for the premier healthcare institute. Mr Nadda also said the State government was examining the locations proposed for AIIMS and would submit its report to the Centre. Making a case for Velloor, Mr George said the land adjoining Kerala Paper Products Ltd (KPPL) would be an ideal site, given its strategic location between Kottayam and Ernakulam. He also sought funds for expanding the physiotherapy centre and urged the Centre to sanction an All India Institute of Ayurveda for Kerala.