The Kerala government has reportedly submitted multiple proposals over the years for establishing an AIIMS. However, the proposal to establish an AIIMS in Kerala has not been approved by the Union government. The absence of an AIIMS in the state has become a significant political issue, particularly with state Assembly elections approaching.
In 2016, several potential locations for the AIIMS project were identified, and in 2019, the Union Health Ministry sought ‘in-principle’ approval from the Finance Ministry for the establishment. Despite these efforts, the Centre has not provided a timeline for the approval of the AIIMS proposal in Kerala.
In 2025, the Kerala government identified land in Kinalur, Kozhikode, for the proposed AIIMS project. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav confirmed that the proposal has not yet been approved, stating, “The proposal for establishing AIIMS in Kerala has not been approved.” This delay has raised concerns among local leaders and healthcare advocates.
Congress MPs Kodikunnil Suresh and Adoor Prakash have voiced their discontent regarding the lack of progress on the AIIMS proposal, emphasizing the urgent healthcare needs of the state. The demand for an AIIMS in Kerala is closely linked to the state’s healthcare requirements, which have been a topic of discussion among various stakeholders.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the reasons for the delay in approval of the AIIMS proposal. Observers note that the political climate surrounding the upcoming elections may influence the urgency with which this issue is addressed. The timeline for the approval or implementation of the AIIMS proposal remains unclear, leaving many in the state concerned about the future of healthcare infrastructure.
