STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu stood at the heart of a historic and patriotic initiative with the hosting of the ‘Sindoor Maha Raktdaan Yatra’ – a large-scale blood donation camp dedicated to the valour, sacrifice, and indomitable spirit of the Indian Armed Forces.
The event became a confluence of healthcare excellence, national pride, and community service, drawing the presence of prominent leaders from the Union and State governments.
This noble initiative, envisioned by Eknath Sambhaji Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, was organised for the first time on such a scale after Independence.
In Jammu & Kashmir, the programme was conducted simultaneously at four centres -Base Hospital Srinagar, Command Hospital Udhampur, Military Hospital Jammu and AIIMS Vijaypur (Jammu).
Together, these centres saw enthusiastic participation from donors, with AIIMS Jammu recording 83 units of blood donation. The drive also witnessed the extraordinary participation of over 1,200 wrestlers (pehalwans) from Maharashtra, whose presence added a spirited dimension of unity, discipline, and dedication to the cause.
On August 9, 2025, Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, inaugurated the camp at AIIMS Jammu.
He visited AIIMS Jammu’s advanced facilities, including the Automatic Blood Sampling Machine, state-of-the-art diagnostic services and the Digital Library.
He appreciated AIIMS Jammu’s growing stature as a premier hub for healthcare, research, and medical education, while commending the noble spirit behind the blood donation drive-calling every drop of blood donated a “symbol of life, hope, and resilience.”
Also joining the occasion was Dr. Uday Ravindra Samant, Minister of Industries & Marathi Language, Government of Maharashtra, who visited AIIMS Jammu as part of the Sindoor Maha Raktdaan Yatra.
He praised the institute’s dedication to delivering world-class healthcare, driving innovation in medical research, and serving the nation through initiatives that blend compassion with cutting-edge science.
On August 10, 2025, Eknath Sambhaji Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, visited AIIMS Jammu for the Sindoor Maha Raktdaan Yatra. He expressed his gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu, for taking the Initiative to make AIIMS Jammu a key pillar of this patriotic programme.
He lauded the institute’s role in uniting citizens for a cause that celebrates bravery, sacrifice, and the spirit of service.
The two-day event reflected AIIMS Jammu’s unwavering commitment not only to excellence in patient care and medical innovation but also to contributing to the social and patriotic fabric of the nation. By hosting the Sindoor Maha Raktdaan Yatra, AIIMS Jammu reinforced its position as a centre where healthcare meets humanity and science walks hand-in-hand with service to the country.