• Reviews construction, operational preparedness;
• 652 manpower positions approved,
• Procurement of 180 medical equipment items worth Rs 59.41 crore cleared
• MBBS classes proposed from 2027-28
Srinagar| Nov, 05: The Centre has set March 2027 as the deadline for completion of the remaining construction works of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora, with Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Thursday directing executing agencies and institute authorities to accelerate the pace of work and ensure that the prestigious healthcare project is made operational in a phased manner.
During a review of the construction progress and operational preparedness of the institute in Srinagar, Nadda stressed that AIIMS Awantipora was a priority project and that all pending infrastructure, equipment procurement and manpower-related requirements must be addressed within stipulated timelines.
The immediate focus, officials said, is to commence Outpatient Department (OPD) services before December 2026, while Inpatient Department (IPD) services are proposed to begin in July 2027, subject to completion of the necessary infrastructure and operational arrangements.
The commencement of MBBS classes is proposed for the academic session 2027-28, beginning June-July next year, marking another significant milestone in the operationalisation of the institute.
During the review, the Union Health Minister assessed the status of construction, procurement of medical and laboratory equipment, recruitment of faculty and other personnel, and preparations for the launch of healthcare and academic services.
Officials informed the meeting that Phase-I infrastructure, including the OPD Registration Block, OPD Block, residential buildings and designated hostels, had been completed, with inventory verification and formal handover procedures currently under way.
The remaining academic, administrative, hospital, residential and hostel infrastructure is being developed in a phased manner.
Nadda directed HLL Infratech Services Ltd. (HITES) and the Executive Director of AIIMS Awantipora to work in close coordination to expedite procurement of medical equipment, OPD instruments, laboratory equipment and medical and administrative furniture.
He emphasised that all essential items required for starting OPD services should be procured on priority so that the commencement of patient care is not delayed due to administrative or logistical bottlenecks.
The review was also informed that approval had been conveyed for procurement of 180 medical equipment items worth Rs 59.41 crore, with Notices of Award already issued for 140 items.
Procurement of OPD instruments, laboratory furniture and medical and administrative furniture is also progressing through different stages.
Apart from infrastructure and equipment, manpower availability emerged as another key component of the operationalisation plan.
The Ministry has approved engagement of essential manpower for the commencement of OPD and associated services, covering 652 positions across various categories. These include hospital attendants, housekeeping and sanitation personnel and security staff, including 150 security personnel.
Nadda directed the authorities to ensure that all essential operational arrangements, including diagnostic facilities, equipment, trained personnel and supporting services, are put in place well before the launch of medical services.
The phased operationalisation of AIIMS Awantipora is expected to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir and reduce the need for patients to travel outside the Union Territory for specialised medical treatment.
Once fully functional, the institute is expected to emerge as a major centre for advanced healthcare, medical education, research and specialised treatment, while also providing an impetus to the region’s medical infrastructure.
The March 2027 construction deadline, the proposed December 2026 OPD launch and the July 2027 timeline for IPD services will now require close coordination among the executing agency, the Ministry and the institute administration to ensure that the project moves from infrastructure development to full-fledged healthcare delivery without further delays.
