The Kerala government has reportedly submitted multiple proposals over the years for establishing an AIIMS. Despite these efforts, the Union government has not yet approved the proposal, leaving the state’s healthcare needs unmet.
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 officials and residents.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, confirmed, “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 their concerns. They argue that the absence of such a facility is detrimental to the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
Historically, in 2016, several potential locations for AIIMS in Kerala were proposed, and in 2019, the Union Health Ministry sought ‘in-principle’ approval from the Finance Ministry. Yet, the lack of movement on the proposal raises questions about the commitment to improving healthcare in the region.
Observers note that the absence of an AIIMS in Kerala highlights the state’s pressing healthcare needs, which have only intensified in recent years. The ongoing delays in approval may further complicate the political landscape as elections approach.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the reasons for the delay in approval of the AIIMS proposal, and the timeline for its implementation remains unclear. This uncertainty continues to fuel speculation and concern among the populace.
The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders are keenly watching how this issue will unfold as the state prepares for elections. The demand for improved healthcare facilities like AIIMS is likely to remain a focal point in political discussions.
