AIIMS in Kerala: 10 potential sites identified, land reports under review

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is taking steps to expedite the establishment of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the state, with the government assessing potential sites across several districts, Health Minister K Muralidharan told the Assembly on Thursday.

The state government has shared details of around 10 potential locations with the Union Health Minister and is examining feasibility reports submitted by district authorities, Muralidharan said.

“In 2014, following directions from the Central Government, the Kerala government submitted a detailed proposal for establishing an AIIMS in the state, identifying four locations in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Kozhikode districts,” he said.

In 2017, land owned by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) at Kinaloor in Kozhikode district was recommended for the project, the minister added. In October 2024, the Union Health Ministry also requested the Union Finance Ministry to grant in-principle approval for establishing AIIMS in Kerala.

Muralidharan said the state government that assumed office in 2026 had reviewed the matter and directed the Health Department to identify suitable locations and prepare a detailed proposal.

“The Union Health Minister has also expressed the view that land adjoining the Nettukaltheri open prison in Thiruvananthapuram district would be the most suitable location,” he said.

District collectors in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Kasaragod, Thrissur and Alappuzha have been asked to identify potential sites and submit detailed feasibility reports.

The proposed locations must meet the Central Government’s criteria, including the availability of at least 200 acres of contiguous, dispute-free land. The sites must also have connectivity to national highways, railway stations and airports, along with access to drinking water and electricity.

Based on the assessments, district authorities have identified 487.31 acres of land owned by KPPL in Velloor village in Kottayam district and 274.69 acres held by the Plantation Corporation in the Periya-Panayal area of Kasaragod district as potential sites for AIIMS.

The Thrissur District Collector has also reported that the institute could be established in the district by acquiring and consolidating land belonging to the Government Press, Vaiga Threads and Koratty Government Hospital in Chalakudy taluk, the minister said.

In Alappuzha, a report has been sought from the District Collector on the proposal to consider Pallippuram as a potential location. The report is yet to be received, Muralidharan said.

The government has also not received a proposal regarding the suggestion to consider the 630-acre Manakkal paddy field at Purakkad in Alappuzha district for the project.

“If the Alappuzha District Collector submits a report confirming that the land is suitable, the government will examine the possibility of considering that site as well,” he said.

Muralidharan said the reports submitted by the district collectors of Kasaragod, Thrissur and Kottayam were currently under the consideration of the Chief Minister.

“The government is taking steps to expedite the process of establishing AIIMS in Kerala, identify suitable locations that meet the Central Government’s criteria and submit a detailed report. We hope the Central Government will take a favourable decision to sanction AIIMS for Kerala,” he said.