Madurai: Tamil Nadu Health Minister M. Subramanian on Monday said that work to establish a Siddha Medical University in the state will commence soon.

Speaking after inaugurating the construction of new buildings for the Government Homoeopathy Medical College at Ko. Pudupatti in Thiruparankundram block, the Minister said the project would be implemented at a cost of Rs 70 crore. State Minister P. Moorthy presided over the event, while College Principal Dr Radhamani welcomed the gathering.

Subramanian said the existing college buildings in Thirumangalam were damaged and that the new facilities will include a five-storey academic block, separate hostels for men and women, and a 50-bed hospital on a 5.11-acre site adjacent to AIIMS, Madurai.

Terming AIIMS as a landmark medical institution, he said the proximity of the new homeopathy college will make it a notable centre at the national level. He also urged the Centre to allow AIIMS Madurai students, currently studying at Ramanathapuram Government Medical College, to visit their yet-to-be-opened campus before completing their course.