He was speaking to the media in Madurai on Tuesday after reviewing the anti-COVID measures taken by the district administration. He also interacted with patients admitted at the COVID ward at Government Rajaji Hospital.

COVID cases have been on a declining trend in Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan said. Now, as many as 18 districts, including Madurai, had only five per cent active cases. Adequate number of beds and also oxygen and other facilities have been kept ready at taluk and non-taluk hospitals, added the official. On the much-anticipated AIIMS Hospital, he said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) would make a final appraisal and agreement by December or January for its construction. He had spoken to Sunil Sharma, Joint Secretary at Union Health Ministry, in this regard, Radhakrishnan said, adding that the construction would be taken up in full swing once the final appraisal was over.

The State government has already issued notification and 223 acres of land was handed over, he added.