The Kerala government has reportedly submitted multiple proposals over the years for establishing an AIIMS, a prestigious healthcare institution aimed at improving medical services in the state. Despite these efforts, the proposal for AIIMS in Kerala has not yet received approval from the Union government, leaving many residents concerned about their healthcare access.
In 2025, the Kerala government identified land in Kinalur, Kozhikode, for the proposed AIIMS project, a move that was seen as a hopeful step towards enhancing the state’s healthcare infrastructure. However, the Centre has not provided a timeline for when the approval might come, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the project.
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 challenges faced by the state in securing this vital healthcare facility.
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 about the healthcare needs of the state. They argue that the absence of such a facility is detrimental to the public, especially in a time when healthcare access is critical.
Historically, the Union Health Ministry sought ‘in-principle’ approval from the Finance Ministry in 2019 for establishing an AIIMS in Kerala, which raised hopes among citizens and healthcare advocates. However, since then, the lack of progress has left many questioning the commitment of the central government to address the healthcare needs of the state.
In 2016, several potential locations for AIIMS in Kerala were identified and proposed, yet the journey towards realization has been fraught with delays. 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 broader challenges of governance and resource allocation in the region.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the reasons for the delay in approval of the AIIMS proposal, and the timeline for its approval or implementation remains unclear. The ongoing discussions and political maneuvering surrounding this issue suggest that it will continue to be a focal point in the lead-up to the elections.
As the situation unfolds, the people of Kerala are left waiting for clarity on a project that promises to transform their healthcare landscape. The demand for an AIIMS is not merely a political talking point; it is a reflection of the urgent healthcare needs of the state’s population.
