The Kerala government has reportedly submitted multiple proposals over the years for establishing an AIIMS, a move aimed at addressing the state’s pressing healthcare needs. Despite these efforts, the Union government has yet to approve the proposal, leaving many in the state concerned about the future of healthcare infrastructure.
In 2025, the Kerala government identified land in Kinalur, Kozhikode, for the proposed AIIMS project. However, the Centre has not provided a timeline for when the approval might come, leading to frustration among local leaders and citizens alike.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav confirmed, “The proposal for establishing AIIMS in Kerala has not been approved,” highlighting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the project.
The demand for an AIIMS in Kerala has become a political issue ahead of the state Assembly elections, with Congress MPs Kodikunnil Suresh and Adoor Prakash vocalizing their concerns regarding the lack of progress. They argue that the absence of such a facility is detrimental to the state’s healthcare system.
In 2016, several potential locations for AIIMS in Kerala were identified and proposed, but the journey toward realization has been fraught with delays. In 2019, the Union Health Ministry sought ‘in-principle’ approval from the Finance Ministry, yet no further steps have been taken since then.
Observers note that the absence of an AIIMS in Kerala is not just a matter of healthcare but also a significant political issue, especially as the state prepares for elections. The demand for improved healthcare services is intensifying, and the lack of an AIIMS is seen as a failure to meet these needs.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the reasons for the delay in approval of the AIIMS proposal, as well as the timeline for its implementation. The Kerala government continues to advocate for the establishment of this critical healthcare facility, emphasizing its importance for the state’s residents.
As the political landscape heats up, the pressure on the Union government to act on the AIIMS proposal is likely to increase, with many watching closely for any developments.
