The Kerala government has been advocating for the establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the state for several years. Despite multiple proposals submitted over time, the Union government has yet to approve the project, leaving many in the state concerned about their healthcare needs.
In 2025, the Kerala government identified land in Kinalur, Kozhikode, for the proposed AIIMS project, but the absence of a clear timeline for approval from the Centre has raised questions. 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 initiative.
The demand for an AIIMS in Kerala has intensified, particularly as the state Assembly elections draw near. Political figures, including Congress MPs Kodikunnil Suresh and Adoor Prakash, have voiced their concerns, emphasizing that the lack of an AIIMS is not just a healthcare issue but a significant political matter as well.
Historically, the Union Health Ministry sought ‘in-principle’ approval from the Finance Ministry in 2019 to establish an AIIMS in Kerala, yet progress has stalled since then. The Kerala government had previously identified several potential locations for the institute back in 2016, but those proposals have not materialized into action.
The absence of an AIIMS in Kerala is particularly troubling for residents who are increasingly vocal about their healthcare needs. The situation has become a focal point for political discourse, with observers noting that the issue could influence voter sentiment in the upcoming elections.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the reasons for the delay in the approval of the AIIMS proposal. The Centre has not provided any explanations, leaving many to speculate about the factors at play.
As the political landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how this issue will unfold. Observers suggest that the demand for an AIIMS will continue to be a pressing topic, especially as healthcare remains a critical concern for the people of Kerala.
