The Kerala government has reportedly submitted multiple proposals over the years for establishing an AIIMS. Despite these efforts, the proposal to establish an AIIMS in Kerala has not been approved by the Union government, leaving many in the state concerned about the lack of advanced healthcare facilities.
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 for this proposal might be granted. This delay has raised questions about the commitment of the central government to address the healthcare needs of the state.
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 local leaders emphasizing the need for improved healthcare infrastructure. Congress MPs Kodikunnil Suresh and Adoor Prakash have been vocal about the necessity of establishing an AIIMS to cater to the healthcare needs of the population.
In 2016, several potential locations for AIIMS in Kerala were identified and proposed, reflecting the state’s long-standing desire for such a facility. In 2019, the Union Health Ministry sought ‘in-principle’ approval from the Finance Ministry for establishing an AIIMS in Kerala, but progress has since stalled.
The absence of an AIIMS in Kerala is not just a matter of healthcare; it has significant political implications as well. Observers note that the issue is likely to influence voter sentiment in the upcoming elections, as citizens express their frustrations over inadequate healthcare services.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the reasons for the delay in approval of the AIIMS proposal. The timeline for the approval or implementation of the AIIMS proposal remains unclear, leaving many to wonder when, or if, the project will come to fruition.
As the situation develops, it is expected that local leaders will continue to press for the establishment of an AIIMS in Kerala, highlighting the pressing healthcare needs of the state. The outcome of this proposal could have lasting effects on both healthcare access and political dynamics in the region.
