The Kerala government has reportedly submitted multiple proposals over the years for establishing an AIIMS. Despite these efforts, the proposal to create an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the state has not been approved by the Union government, leaving many residents concerned about their healthcare options.
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 lack of approval, stating, “The proposal for establishing AIIMS in Kerala has not been approved.” This statement underscores 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 the need for improved healthcare facilities. They argue that the absence of an AIIMS is a significant concern for the state’s healthcare needs.
Historically, in 2016, several potential locations for AIIMS in Kerala were identified and proposed. By 2019, the Union Health Ministry sought ‘in-principle’ approval from the Finance Ministry to move forward with the establishment of AIIMS in the state. Yet, progress has stalled since then.
The absence of an AIIMS in Kerala is not just a logistical issue; it is also a political flashpoint. Observers note that the demand for such a facility is closely tied to the state’s healthcare needs, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing challenges in the health sector.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the reasons for the delay in approval of the AIIMS proposal, and the timeline for its eventual implementation remains unclear. As the state approaches elections, the pressure on the Union government to address this issue intensifies.
With the political landscape shifting, the future of the AIIMS proposal in Kerala hangs in the balance, leaving many to wonder what steps will be taken next to ensure that the healthcare needs of the population are met.
