# Kerala AIIMS establishment dispute and site selection

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kerala-aiims-establishment-dispute-and-site-selection
> Updated: 2026-10-29T08:45:08.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

A political dispute emerged regarding the location of the proposed All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala. Union Minister Suresh Gopi advocated for Thrissur as the site, a position State Health Minister K. Muraleedharan characterized as political, noting the state government had not insisted on a specific district.

Following this debate, the Kerala state government accelerated efforts to identify suitable locations that meet Central Government criteria. Health Minister K. Muralidharan informed the assembly that approximately 10 potential sites across various districts have been shared with the Union Health Minister. District collectors in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Kasaragod, Thrissur, and Alappuzha are tasked with submitting feasibility reports for land that must be at least 200 acres of contiguous, dispute-free property with access to major infrastructure.

The project has been a recurring issue since 2014. While previous proposals focused on districts such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode, the Union Health Minister has recently suggested that land near the Nettukaltheri open prison in Thiruvananthapuram may be a highly suitable location.

Recent updates indicate the state government is continuing to review feasibility reports for the identified sites. These locations must adhere to central requirements, including the necessity for at least 200 acres of contiguous, dispute-free land and proximity to major transport hubs.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: Kerala government advances AIIMS site identification and addresses power shortages

Kerala is working to identify sites for a new AIIMS medical institute, managing a surge in electricity demand, and implementing a central rehabilitation scheme for individuals engaged in begging.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerala-government-seeks-sites-for-aiims-establishment

### 2026-10-06: Kerala ministers clash over proposed AIIMS location

Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan are clashing over the proposed location for a long-pending AIIMS institute in Kerala, with Gopi backing Thrissur.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerala-ministers-clash-over-proposed-aiims-location

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Cite as: Kerala AIIMS establishment dispute and site selection. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kerala-aiims-establishment-dispute-and-site-selection