• 81% physical progress recorded
• Centre’s review comes amid delays in operationalisation of Kashmir’s premier healthcare project
Srinagar | Nov, 04: Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda is scheduled to visit the under-construction All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday to take stock of the project’s progress, with the much-awaited outpatient services expected to become operational later this month.
As per officials, Union Minister will review the ongoing construction, healthcare infrastructure and preparedness for the phased commencement of services at the institute.
The visit assumes significance as AIIMS Awantipora, envisioned as a major tertiary healthcare facility for Jammu and Kashmir, has missed several completion deadlines, leaving patients across the Valley awaiting its operationalisation.
Officials said preparations are underway to make the Outpatient Department (OPD) functional later this month, subject to the completion of pending infrastructure works, installation of medical equipment and fulfilment of mandatory operational requirements.
The proposed October-end deadline for commencing OPD services could not be met due to pending works and procedural formalities.
According to officials, the overall physical progress of the project had reached approximately 81 per cent, while financial progress stood above 72 per cent, as reviewed during a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Kuldeep Krishan Sidha on October 16.
Hospital Block-I has been completed, while Hospital Block-II is nearing completion. The administration has directed the executing agencies to expedite pending works and ensure that facilities ready for use are made operational in a phased manner.
During his visit to the institute on October 23, the Deputy Commissioner had also stressed that departments ready to provide services should be opened without waiting for the completion of the entire campus.
Officials said electricity and water connections have been established, while the remaining requirements, including heating systems, lift safety clearances, mandatory no-objection certificates and other operational arrangements, are being addressed on priority.
The commencement of OPD services is expected to provide considerable relief to patients who are currently dependent on hospitals outside the Valley for several specialised treatments. The institute is expected to gradually expand its services as additional infrastructure and facilities become available.
AIIMS Awantipora is being developed as a 750-bed tertiary care hospital spread across a campus comprising 57 buildings. The project envisages specialised healthcare services, advanced diagnostic facilities, medical education and research.
While the first phase is approaching operational readiness, several academic, administrative, residential and hospital facilities are still under development.
Officials said four buildings under Phase-II are targeted for completion by the end of November 2026, while major works under Phase-III, including Hospital Blocks 3 and 5, are scheduled for completion by June 2027.
The Union Health Minister’s visit is expected to provide an opportunity to assess the pace of execution and review the preparedness for starting patient services.
