From Hope to Healing: AIIMS Jammu’s remarkable journey in Child Surgery and Diagnostics

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: The Department of Pediatric Surgery at AIIMS Jammu has achieved a significant milestone by successfully performing over 250 pediatric surgeries within just over a year, marking a new chapter in specialized child healthcare for Jammu and Kashmir. Alongside this achievement, the department has established a state-of-the-art Pediatric Urodynamic Study (UDS) Laboratory-the first of its kind in the region-strengthening AIIMS Jammu’s role as a hub for advanced pediatric diagnostics and treatment.
These accomplishments reflect the institute’s rapid rise as a center of clinical excellence under the visionary leadership of Executive Director and CEO, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta. His commitment to making tertiary-level healthcare accessible within the region has enabled families to receive advanced medical care locally, reducing the need for travel to distant medical centers.
The Pediatric Surgery Department, led by Dr. Vijay Kumar Kundal, Additional Professor and Head of the Department, has demonstrated exceptional expertise in managing a wide spectrum of complex pediatric conditions. The department is supported by Assistant Professor Dr. Lucky Gupta, the first batch of M.Ch. Pediatric Surgery residents-Dr. Shaik Rizwan Ahmed, Dr. Vikas, and Dr. Manish Tiwari-and a dedicated nursing team led by Mrs. Marvi and Ms. Anuradha. Together, the team has delivered precise, compassionate, and high-quality care.
The department has successfully performed complex procedures such as bladder exstrophy repairs, ureteric reimplantations, ventriculoperitoneal shunt placements, pyeloplasties, and major gastrointestinal surgeries. In addition, routine pediatric surgeries including hypospadias correction, hernia repairs, and orchidopexies are conducted regularly.
A major highlight is the newly established Urodynamics Lab, which provides advanced evaluation of bladder function and pressure, enabling early diagnosis and management of conditions such as neurogenic bladder dysfunction. This facility ensures timely, evidence-based treatment within Jammu, helping preserve long-term kidney health in children.
The department also runs regular outpatient services and awareness programs, benefiting over 2,800 children through consultations and follow-ups. In June 2025, it became the first superspeciality department at AIIMS Jammu to establish a 10-bedded independent ward, significantly enhancing patient comfort and recovery.
Praising the team’s efforts, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta stated that the Pediatric Surgery Department embodies AIIMS Jammu’s vision of combining excellence with empathy. With future plans focusing on minimally invasive surgery and academic collaborations, the department continues to stand as a beacon of hope, progress, and world-class pediatric care for the region.