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KOCHI, February 25, 2026 — The Kerala High Court today issued a stern directive to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, expressing “strong dissatisfaction” over the persistent delay in establishing an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the state.
In a significant escalation of a decade-long saga, a bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. slashed the Centre’s request for a four-week extension to just 14 days. The court has demanded that a senior Ministry official appear via video link on March 11 to clarify whether the Union Government has, in principle, approved the project and to provide a status update on the long-pending feasibility study.
For Kerala, a state that consistently tops national indices for life expectancy and low infant mortality, the absence of an AIIMS is seen by many as a missing link in its otherwise robust healthcare infrastructure.
A “Clockwork” Disappointment
The court’s intervention follows years of what local advocates call a “pre-budget ritual” of building anticipation followed by official silence. While 22 new AIIMS institutions have been approved across India under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), Kerala remains one of the few major states without a sanctioned campus.
The State Government maintains it has fulfilled all prerequisites. In 2022, it identified Kinalur in Kozhikode as the primary site, offering approximately 200 acres of land.
“We have identified the land and completed the preliminary Social Impact Assessment,” stated a senior official from the Kerala Health Department. “The ball has been in the Centre’s court for years.”
The Tertiary Care Deficit
While Kerala’s primary and secondary healthcare systems are world-class, health sector experts argue that an AIIMS would address a critical gap in tertiary care and medical research.
Dr. B. Ekbal, a renowned public health activist and former member of the Kerala State Planning Board, notes that while the state has a strong network of Medical Colleges, they are often overwhelmed by patient volume.
“An AIIMS is not just another hospital; it is an Institute of National Importance (INI) designed to integrate high-end research with specialized clinical care,” Dr. Ekbal explained. “However, we must also ensure that any new institute doesn’t suffer from the faculty shortages and infrastructure gaps seen in some of the newer AIIMS campuses across the country.”
Public Health Implications
The establishment of an AIIMS in Kerala would likely have three major impacts:
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Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: Patients requiring advanced treatments for oncology, cardiology, or rare genetic disorders currently often travel to AIIMS New Delhi or private hospitals. A local AIIMS would provide these services at subsidized government rates.
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Research on Regional Health Challenges: Kerala faces unique health burdens, including a high prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and recurring outbreaks of zoonotic diseases like the Nipah virus.
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Medical Education Surge: It would add much-needed postgraduate and superspecialty seats, helping retain medical talent within the state.
Statistical Context: The National Landscape
To understand the frustration in Kerala, one must look at the national rollout of AIIMS:
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Total AIIMS Sanctioned: 22 (under various phases of PMSSY).
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Functional Status: Over 18 institutes are currently operational (at least partially), including those in neighboring states like Tamil Nadu (Madurai) and Andhra Pradesh (Mangalagiri).
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Kerala’s Health Profile: Despite having a high doctor-to-population ratio, the state’s government medical colleges report an average bed occupancy rate exceeding 90%, highlighting the need for more tertiary beds.
Potential Hurdles and Counterarguments
The delay isn’t purely administrative; it’s also steeped in internal regional competition. While the state has pushed for the Kozhikode site, petitions have also been filed in the High Court by groups from Kasaragod and Kottayam, each arguing their district is better suited for the facility.
Furthermore, critics of rapid AIIMS expansion point to the “brain drain” from existing state medical colleges. There are concerns that a new AIIMS might “poach” top-tier faculty from Kerala’s existing government institutions, potentially weakening the established system to build a new one.
What This Means for Readers
For the average citizen, the High Court’s two-week ultimatum represents a glimmer of hope for more accessible healthcare. If the feasibility study at Kinalur is fast-tracked, it could pave the way for a formal announcement in the next fiscal cycle.
However, experts urge caution. Even after a formal “in-principle” approval, the construction and full commissioning of an AIIMS typically take 5 to 7 years.
Reference Section
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
