AIIMS in Kerala: Proposal Still Pending Approval
The Kerala government has reportedly submitted multiple proposals over the years for establishing an AIIMS, a move aimed at addressing the state’s pressing healthcare needs. Despite these efforts, the proposal for an AIIMS in Kerala has not yet received approval from the Union government, leaving many in the community concerned about the future of healthcare in the region.
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 this proposal might be approved, leading to frustration among local leaders and residents alike.
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, which has been a topic of discussion for several years.
In 2016, several potential locations for AIIMS in Kerala were identified and proposed, reflecting the state’s commitment to enhancing its healthcare infrastructure. By 2019, the Union Health Ministry sought ‘in-principle’ approval from the Finance Ministry for establishing an AIIMS, but the process has since stalled.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the reasons for the delay in approval of the AIIMS proposal, and the timeline for its implementation remains unclear. Observers are hopeful that as the state elections approach, the issue will gain the attention it deserves, prompting necessary action from the Union government.
The community continues to rally for the establishment of an AIIMS, emphasizing the importance of accessible and quality healthcare for all residents. The ongoing discussions highlight the critical need for investment in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in a state that has shown a strong commitment to public health initiatives.
As the situation develops, local leaders and health advocates are urging the government to prioritize the approval of the AIIMS proposal, recognizing its potential to significantly improve healthcare services in Kerala.
