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Outpatient healthcare services at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir are expected to become operational before December 2026, marking a significant step towards improving access to specialised medical care in the region. Union Health Minister J P Nadda announced the proposed timeline on Thursday following a review of the institute’s infrastructure and operational preparedness.

According to the Union Health Ministry, the institute is progressing towards the launch of its outpatient department (OPD), while inpatient department (IPD) services are scheduled to begin in July 2027. The commencement of MBBS classes is also planned for the 2027-28 academic session.

The development is expected to strengthen the healthcare delivery system in Jammu and Kashmir by expanding access to advanced medical facilities, specialist consultations and medical education.

AIIMS Awantipora Construction Nears Completion

During the review meeting, Nadda assessed the progress of construction, installation of medical equipment, procurement of furniture and recruitment of faculty and other essential personnel. He also examined the institute’s readiness to begin clinical and academic operations.

The Health Minister instructed the concerned agencies to complete the remaining construction activities by March 2027. He also emphasised the need to accelerate procurement and recruitment processes so that OPD services can start within the proposed timeline.

The ministry stated that all major buildings at AIIMS Awantipora have been completed. Phase-I infrastructure, including the OPD registration block, main OPD building, residential facilities and designated hostels, is also ready. Inventory verification and formal handover procedures are currently underway.

Medical Equipment Procurement Worth Rs 59.41 Crore

Equipment availability remains an important part of the institute’s operational preparations. The ministry has communicated procurement approval for 180 medical equipment items valued at Rs 59.41 crore.

Notices of Award have already been issued for 140 of these items, indicating progress in the procurement process. Arrangements for OPD instruments, laboratory furniture and medical as well as administrative furniture are also moving through different stages.

Nadda directed HITES and the Executive Director of AIIMS Awantipora to work in close coordination to ensure that essential diagnostic facilities, medical equipment and furniture are available before the commencement of patient services.

Recruitment of 652 Personnel Approved

Alongside infrastructure development, staffing requirements are being addressed to support the institute’s initial operations.

The Health Ministry has approved the engagement of essential manpower covering 652 positions across different categories. This includes 150 security personnel to support campus safety and institutional operations.

The minister stressed that recruitment of faculty and non-faculty staff should be expedited to ensure adequate manpower for clinical services and administrative functions.

IPD Services and MBBS Classes Planned for 2027

The proposed operational schedule outlines three major milestones for AIIMS Awantipora. OPD services are targeted to begin before December 2026, allowing patients to access outpatient consultations. IPD services are proposed to commence in July 2027, followed by the planned introduction of MBBS classes during the 2027-28 academic session.

These developments are expected to establish the institute as an important centre for specialised healthcare and medical education in the Kashmir region.

The review also covered campus security, transport connectivity, website development and operational partnerships. Nadda asked AIIMS Awantipora, CPWD, HITES and the local administration to coordinate on these requirements to ensure a smooth start to institutional activities.

AIIMS Awantipora to Strengthen Healthcare Infrastructure in J-K

The development of AIIMS Awantipora is part of the government’s broader efforts to expand tertiary healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised medical services across the country.

Once fully operational, the institute is expected to contribute to better healthcare access for people in Jammu and Kashmir while strengthening the region’s capacity for medical education and healthcare delivery.

The Union Health Minister appreciated the efforts of CPWD and other agencies involved in the project, acknowledging the challenges associated with the site’s terrain and construction requirements.

The proposed launch of OPD services represents an important initial milestone. However, the subsequent commencement of inpatient facilities and MBBS education will be equally important in establishing AIIMS Awantipora as a major healthcare and academic institution in the region.

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By MedGate Bureau
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