The Kerala High Court has raised concerns over the delay in the Centre’s decision to set up an AIIMS in the state. The court, during a hearing on the matter, questioned the Union government’s stance and asked if there was a definitive plan to establish an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala. Previously, the court had instructed the Centre to conduct a feasibility study at the proposed site.
The Union government requested four weeks to respond, but the bench granted only two weeks, expressing dissatisfaction with the delay. Additionally, the court directed a representative from the Union Health Ministry to provide clarity on the status of the feasibility study through an online appearance.
The promise of AIIMS in Kerala has become an annual pre-budget anticipation. Every year, hopes rise before the Union Budget announcement, only to be met with disappointment. Despite assertions from Union Minister Suresh Gopi that AIIMS will be established in Kerala, the state government accuses the Centre of procrastination, claiming to have met all requirements, including land identification.
The absence of AIIMS in Kerala is notable, especially as other states have secured this premier healthcare and medical education institution in recent years. Health experts argue that an AIIMS in Kerala would greatly enhance tertiary care access and research capabilities. With the High Court pressing for a clear timeline, attention is once again focused on New Delhi. The prolonged wait for AIIMS in Kerala has not only become a healthcare concern but also a matter of political discourse and intergovernmental coordination.
