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 proposal for establishing AIIMS in Kerala has not been approved by the Union government, leaving many residents and officials frustrated.
In 2025, the Kerala government identified land in Kinalur, Kozhikode, for the proposed AIIMS project, yet the Centre has not provided a timeline for when, or if, the proposal will be approved. This delay has become a significant point of contention, especially as the state approaches its Assembly elections.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav confirmed the lack of approval, stating, “The proposal for establishing AIIMS in Kerala has not been approved.” This statement underscores the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the project, which has been a focal point in discussions about healthcare accessibility in the state.
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 over the lack of progress. They argue that the absence of such a facility is detrimental to the health and well-being of the state’s residents.
Historically, the Kerala government has been proactive in seeking the establishment of an AIIMS, with several potential locations identified as early as 2016. In 2019, the Union Health Ministry sought ‘in-principle’ approval from the Finance Ministry, yet the project has remained in limbo.
Observers note that the absence of an AIIMS in Kerala is not just a healthcare issue but also a political one, as it reflects the government’s commitment to improving health services in the region. The ongoing discussions and debates highlight the critical need for enhanced healthcare infrastructure.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the reasons for the delay in the approval of the AIIMS proposal, and the timeline for its implementation remains unclear. As the political landscape evolves, the fate of the AIIMS project in Kerala hangs in the balance, with many hoping for a resolution that will finally bring this vital healthcare facility to fruition.
