AIIMS in Kerala: Proposal Remains Unapproved

The Kerala government has reportedly submitted multiple proposals over the years for establishing an AIIMS. Despite these efforts, the proposal for establishing AIIMS in Kerala has not been approved by the Union government, as confirmed by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav.

In 2025, the Kerala government identified land in Kinalur, Kozhikode for the proposed AIIMS project. However, the Centre has not provided a timeline for the approval of this proposal, leaving many questions unanswered.

The absence of an AIIMS in Kerala has become a political issue ahead of the state Assembly elections, with local leaders emphasizing the need for improved healthcare facilities in the state. The demand for an AIIMS is closely linked to the state’s healthcare needs, which have been a growing concern among residents.

In 2016, several potential locations for AIIMS in Kerala were identified and proposed, but progress has been slow. In 2019, the Union Health Ministry sought ‘in-principle’ approval from the Finance Ministry for establishing an AIIMS in the state, yet no further developments have been reported.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the reasons for the delay in approval of the AIIMS proposal. Observers note that the lack of clarity on the timeline for approval or implementation continues to be a point of contention among local leaders and citizens alike.

The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders are awaiting further communication from the Union government regarding the future of the AIIMS project in Kerala.