STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu has rapidly emerged as a cornerstone of advanced healthcare, medical education, and research in Jammu & Kashmir, following its successful completion and operationalisation under the Prime Minister’s Development Package. The project, announced on November 7, 2015, with a total cost of Rs 1,963.54 crore, has achieved 100 percent physical progress and was dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister on February 20, 2024.
Highlighting the transformational journey of the institute, (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu, said, “AIIMS Jammu stands as a shining example of how focused leadership, inter-departmental coordination, and the PRAGATI monitoring mechanism can convert complex challenges into success stories. What once appeared as administrative bottlenecks were resolved decisively, ensuring timely completion of this nationally important institution.”
The project began on January 10, 2019, with the foundation stone laid on February 3, 2019. One of the major hurdles during construction was the presence of a cremation ground measuring approximately 2,800 square meters directly in front of the main hospital block, obstructing access planning, landscaping, and external development.
Dr. Gupta noted that despite public resistance, the issue was taken up in detail during PRAGATI meetings. “Clear directions to the UT Administration led to the identification and development of an alternate cremation site. Within three months, a long-pending issue was resolved, unlocking roadworks, utilities, and landscaping,” he said.
Another critical issue was the delay by the Public Health Engineering Department in installing six borewells and laying water pipelines. Following PRAGATI intervention, coordination improved significantly, and water supply infrastructure was completed in record time. “Water is the lifeline of any healthcare institution. PRAGATI ensured accountability and transformed inertia into collaborative problem-solving,” Dr. Gupta added.
AIIMS Jammu comprises a 750-bed hospital with 35 specialty and super-specialty departments, modern diagnostics, ICU, emergency and trauma services, pharmacy, AYUSH block, night shelter, and hostels. Academically, it houses a medical college with 100 MBBS seats, a nursing college with 60 seats, and multiple postgraduate and super-specialty courses.
Operational since November 2024, AIIMS Jammu has already treated over 3.85 lakh OPD patients, admitted 9,912 inpatients, and handled 23,660 emergency cases. More than 3,500 surgeries have been performed, supported by eight advanced modular operation theatres, while ICUs have treated 1,357 critical patients.
With 15 super-specialty services now functional, advanced diagnostics, over 140 research projects, and patient-support facilities like the 216-bed Vishram Sadan, AIIMS Jammu is redefining healthcare delivery in the region. “AIIMS Jammu is not just a hospital-it is a comprehensive ecosystem of care, education, and research dedicated to the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” Dr. Gupta concluded.