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 submitting multiple proposals, the Union government has yet to approve the project, leaving many residents concerned about the future of healthcare in the region.
In 2025, the Kerala government identified land in Kinalur, Kozhikode, for the proposed AIIMS project, hoping to enhance medical facilities in a state that has long struggled with healthcare access. However, the absence of a timeline for approval from the Centre has left many questioning the commitment to this vital initiative.
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 challenges faced by the state in securing the necessary backing for such a crucial healthcare facility.
The demand for an AIIMS in Kerala has become increasingly politicized, particularly with state Assembly elections on the horizon. 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 one.
Historically, the Kerala government has made numerous attempts to secure approval for an AIIMS, with potential locations identified as early as 2016. In 2019, the Union Health Ministry sought ‘in-principle’ approval from the Finance Ministry, yet progress has stalled since then.
The absence of an AIIMS in Kerala is particularly striking given the state’s pressing healthcare needs. Observers note that the ongoing delays could have serious implications for residents who require specialized medical care.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the reasons for the delay in approval of the AIIMS proposal. The timeline for its approval or implementation remains unclear, leaving many in the community anxious about their healthcare future.
As the political landscape heats up ahead of the elections, the fate of the AIIMS proposal will likely remain a focal point of discussion among voters and political leaders alike. The Kerala government continues to advocate for the project, hoping to finally bring the much-needed facility to fruition.
