Court highlights Kerala's population density and inadequate government healthcare facilities; directs Union of India to submit progress report on AIIMS Kinalur project under PMSSY Scheme
The Kerala High Court, in a recent judgment dated October 7, 2026, has strongly urged the Central Government to expedite its decision-making process regarding the long-pending proposal for establishing a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala. The petitioners, including AIIMS Kasaragod Janakeeya Koottayma and Greater Piravom Development Forum, approached the court seeking intervention after the proposal languished without substantive progress for almost ten years.
The establishment of an AIIMS in Kerala was first proposed under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) Scheme in June 2016, with four potential sites identified for the project. In October 2025, a memorandum was formally submitted to the Union Health Minister requesting approval for setting up the AIIMS at Kinalur in Kozhikode District. Despite this, the matter remains stalled in the inter-ministerial consultation stage, awaiting a decision on the continuation of the PMSSY Scheme for the fiscal years 2026-2027 through 2030-2031.
The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. observed that Kerala deserves priority consideration for the AIIMS establishment. The court emphasized the state's high population density and the inadequacy of existing government hospitals to meet the healthcare needs of its citizens, particularly the poor and needy. It noted that a conscious and timely decision by the Central Government is crucial, given the extensive delay and the urgent public interest involved.
The Deputy Solicitor General of India assured the court that the matter would be reviewed promptly. The court has directed the Union of India to file a detailed statement indicating the progress made in the inter-ministerial consultations and the steps taken toward finalizing the proposal. The next hearing is scheduled for December 2, 2026.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's proactive role in ensuring timely healthcare infrastructure development and reflects the increasing pressure on the government to address public health challenges, especially in underserved regions. The establishment of AIIMS in Kerala is expected to significantly enhance the availability of advanced medical education and quality healthcare services in the state, benefiting millions.
Bottom Line:
Establishment of AIIMS in Kerala - Proposal pending before Central Government for almost 10 years - High Court observed that Kerala deserves priority consideration having regard to population density and inadequacy of existing Government hospitals - Union of India directed to file statement regarding progress made in inter-ministerial consultations and decision-making process.
Statutory provision(s):
Constitution of India, Article 226; Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) Scheme
AIIMS Kasaragod Janakeeya Koottayma v. Union of India, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 3001967
