The Kerala government has reportedly submitted multiple proposals over the years for establishing an AIIMS, a project that has yet to receive approval from the Union government. Despite the pressing healthcare needs of the state, the absence of a definitive timeline for the proposal’s approval has raised concerns among local officials and residents.
In 2025, the Kerala government identified land in Kinalur, Kozhikode, for the proposed AIIMS project. However, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, confirmed that “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 establishment of an AIIMS is crucial for addressing the state’s healthcare requirements, particularly in light of the increasing population and healthcare demands.
Historically, the Kerala government has been proactive in proposing various locations for AIIMS, with several potential sites identified back in 2016. In 2019, the Union Health Ministry sought ‘in-principle’ approval from the Finance Ministry for the establishment of AIIMS in the state, yet progress has stalled since then.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the reasons for the delay in approval of the AIIMS proposal. Observers note that the lack of clarity from the Centre has left many questions unanswered, particularly concerning the timeline for the project’s implementation.
The absence of an AIIMS in Kerala not only highlights the healthcare challenges faced by the state but also reflects broader political dynamics as parties gear up for the upcoming elections. The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders are keenly watching for any developments that could influence the future of healthcare in the region.
