Company to go ahead with healthcare proj on ecosensitive land

Amid controversy over the Kerala government's decision to allow commercial construction on an ecologically-sensitive paddy land near here, Cochi Medi City and Tourism today claimed it would set up a green healthcare project on it with an initial investment of Rs 1,300 crore.
The project ran into controversy after the Congress-led UDF government's clearance to fill 47 acres of paddyfield to set up the project came just hours before the model code for conduct came into effect in the state last week, ahead of the May 16 Assembly polls.
The timing of the clearance has been questioned by the CPI(M)-led opposition and environmentalists.

The main promoters of the company today said that the project, expected to be fully operational in three years, would generate direct employment to 7,500 persons and indirect employment to 25,000 persons.
Mohan Thomas Pakalomattom, Chairman, Cochi Medi City and Tourism, said the project will be set up in 52 acres of land out of 140 acres of unused land. "That means only 30 per cent of the land will have construction," he said.
He claimed that the project had received sanction after going through proper channels. It went through a proper scrutiny by the departments concerned.

He said the project was designed after giving a lot of care to the environment by RSP Singapore, one of the pioneers in setting up eco-friendly projects in Singapore and rest of the world by maintaining the ecology and preserving water flow.

Noting that India's healthcare system has made great progress in the last five years, Pakalomattom said India still lags behind WHO guideline of 3.5 beds per 1000 individuals.
"India currently is at a ratio of 0.9. In addition to this, the potential of health tourism is also there. Cochi Medi City & Tourism was established to cater to this huge gap with a vision of establishing a modern super-specialty hospital and healthcare system offering international standards of care at an affordable cost," he said.
Asked whether they would shift the project to any other states if it was not allowed in Kerala, Thomas said the company has got offers from states like Goa.