Union Health Minister reviews 83 per cent-complete institute; IPD targeted by July 2027, MBBS classes from next session; 180 equipment items worth ₹59.41 crore approved, 652 posts sanctioned, over 1,000 apply for faculty
BuzzBytes
AWANTIPORA, Nov 5: Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Thursday visited AIIMS Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district and directed officials to start full-fledged Outpatient Department (OPD) services at the institute before December 2026.
Laying down a phased timeline, Nadda directed the authorities to take steps for commencing Inpatient Department (IPD) services by July 2027 and starting MBBS classes from the next academic session.
Officials informed the Minister that construction of the institute had reached 83 per cent physical progress. He asked the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and other executing agencies to accelerate the remaining works.
Procurement of 180 items of medical equipment worth ₹59.41 crore has been approved, and the Ministry has sanctioned 652 posts for OPD and related services, including 150 security personnel.
Describing AIIMS Awantipora as a priority project of the Government of India, Nadda stressed that construction and operational preparations must proceed simultaneously. He directed closer coordination between HITES and the Executive Director of AIIMS Awantipora to expedite procurement of equipment and furniture for the commencement of OPD services.
Reviewing recruitment, the Minister was informed that advertisements for faculty positions had drawn more than 1,000 applications. He directed officials to fast-track the process, including faculty interviews.
Nadda appreciated the progress achieved by CPWD and other stakeholders despite challenges posed by the site’s terrain, and called for close coordination among AIIMS Awantipora, CPWD and the local administration to address security-related and other operational issues.
He said early operationalisation of AIIMS Awantipora would significantly strengthen tertiary healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir and improve access to advanced, affordable and quality treatment.
Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo accompanied the Union Minister during the visit.
