Union Health Minister on Thursday reviewed the progress of construction and infrastructure development at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora, and directed the concerned authorities to expedite the completion of pending works to ensure its early operationalisation.
During the review, the Union Health Minister emphasised that the timely completion of AIIMS Awantipora would significantly strengthen access to quality tertiary healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the Union Territory for specialised medical treatment.
The Minister appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders involved in the project for completing several major buildings despite the challenging geographical terrain and other construction-related difficulties. He stressed the importance of maintaining coordination among executing agencies and concerned departments to ensure that the remaining infrastructure is completed within the stipulated timelines.
The review focused on the status of construction activities, development of essential facilities and preparations required to begin healthcare and academic operations at the institute.
According to the proposed operational schedule, Outpatient Department (OPD) services are targeted to commence before December 2026. This will be followed by the introduction of Inpatient Department (IPD) services and academic activities in July 2027.
The Minister directed the authorities to prioritise the remaining construction works and ensure that essential infrastructure, medical facilities and supporting services are made available for the phased commencement of operations.
AIIMS Awantipora is an important healthcare infrastructure project for Jammu and Kashmir. Once fully operational, the institute is expected to expand the availability of specialised medical services, strengthen medical education and create additional opportunities for advanced healthcare training and research.
The establishment of the institute is also expected to benefit patients from different districts of Kashmir and adjoining regions by improving access to specialised consultations, diagnostic facilities and advanced treatment.
The Union Health Minister reiterated the importance of completing the project efficiently so that the institution can begin delivering its intended healthcare and academic services without unnecessary delays.
The planned commencement of OPD services before December 2026 marks an important milestone towards making AIIMS Awantipora operational, while the subsequent introduction of IPD and academic activities will further expand its role in the region’s healthcare system.
