OPDs targeted before Dec; 652 positions approved
SRINAGAR: Outpatient Department (OPD) services at the All India Institute of Medical Scienaces (AIIMS), Awantipora, are targeted to commence before December 2026, with Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda directing the concerned agencies to expedite the institute’s operationalisation and complete all remaining construction works by March 2027.
Inpatient Department (IPD) services are proposed to begin in July 2027, subject to completion of the requisite infrastructure and operational arrangements, while academic activities, including commencement of MBBS classes, are planned for the 2027-28 academic session beginning June-July 2027.
Nadda reviewed the progress of construction and operationalisation of AIIMS Awantipora on Thursday, assessing the status of infrastructure development, procurement of medical equipment and furniture, recruitment of faculty and other personnel, and preparedness for the commencement of medical and academic activities at the institute.
During the review, the minister was informed that construction of AIIMS Awantipora was nearing completion, with all major buildings completed. Appreciating the efforts of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and all concerned agencies and stakeholders, Nadda commended their dedicated efforts in advancing the project despite challenges posed by the site’s terrain and other constraints.
Describing AIIMS Awantipora as a priority project, he directed the concerned agencies to maintain the momentum and complete the remaining construction works by March 2027.
Emphasising the need for early operationalisation of the institute, Nadda directed HITES and the Executive Director, AIIMS Awantipora, to work in close coordination and expedite the procurement of medical equipment, OPD instruments, laboratory equipment, and medical and administrative furniture. He stressed that all essential procurements required for commencement of OPD services must be completed on priority.
It was informed that procurement approval had been conveyed for 180 medical equipment items amounting to Rs 59.41 crore, of which Notices of Award had been issued for 140 items. Procurement processes for OPD instruments, laboratory furniture, and medical and administrative furniture were also at various stages of progress.
The minister also reviewed preparedness for the commencement of medical services and directed that all requisite arrangements, including equipment, diagnostic facilities, manpower and other operational requirements, be completed in advance.
Reviewing the recruitment status, Nadda appreciated the efforts of the Executive Director and the institute’s team in taking forward the recruitment process. He directed that recruitment be fast-tracked to ensure the availability of qualified faculty at the earliest. He also emphasised expediting recruitment against non-faculty positions and engagement of the requisite manpower for operationalisation of OPD and other services.
The Ministry has approved the engagement of essential manpower for operationalisation of OPD and related services, including hospital attendants, housekeeping and sanitation personnel, and security staff. The proposed manpower arrangements cover 652 positions across various categories, including 150 security personnel.
The minister was also apprised of the phase-wise construction and handover plan. The Phase-I buildings, including the OPD Registration Block, OPD Block, residential buildings and designated hostels, have been completed, with inventory verification and formal handover processes underway. The remaining academic, administrative, hospital, residential and hostel infrastructure is being taken up in a phased manner.
Nadda further reviewed institutional readiness and support arrangements, including campus security, transport connectivity, website development and operational partnerships. He emphasised the need for effective coordination among AIIMS Awantipora, CPWD, HITES and the local administration to address security and other operational issues and ensure the smooth functioning of the institute.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the country, Nadda said the timely completion and operationalisation of AIIMS Awantipora would be an important step towards expanding access to quality tertiary healthcare and specialised medical services in Jammu and Kashmir.
The institute would also strengthen medical education and contribute to the development of healthcare capacity in the region, in keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all.
