SRINAGAR: A parliamentary report highlights significant developments in Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare sector, including progress on AIIMS Awantipora, the launch of Tele-MANAS for mental health support, and concerns over underutilised healthcare funds.
The report by the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare, reads that 60.5 percent of construction work on AIIMS Awantipora has been completed. The project, under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), aims to bridge the region’s healthcare gap by providing advanced medical care and enhancing medical education.
The initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to upgrade medical institutions across India, improving accessibility and healthcare quality.
Beyond AIIMS, the report notes the introduction of Tele-MANAS, the National Tele Mental Health Programme, in Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative expands mental healthcare access, particularly in conflict-prone and remote areas. Tele-MANAS provides video consultations, enabling residents to connect with mental health professionals remotely.
However, budgetary concerns persist. The report highlights the underutilisation of healthcare funds, with government health expenditure falling short relative to GDP. To address this, the Parliamentary Committee has urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to increase its annual health budget by at least 10 percent.
The report also flags delays in National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) infrastructure projects. While land has been identified for cooperative sector development in J&K, delays in lease agreements and construction have hindered expansion in cooperative healthcare and related sectors.
Once completed, AIIMS Awantipora will feature 750 beds, a medical and nursing college, speciality and super-speciality departments, and research facilities. The project aims to reduce the region’s reliance on tertiary healthcare institutions outside Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring access to critical care and specialised treatments locally.
Additionally, AIIMS Awantipora is expected to create employment opportunities and strengthen medical education. Plans include enrolling 100 MBBS students and 60 nursing students annually, addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals. The institute’s research facilities will contribute to medical advancements, particularly in addressing health challenges specific to Kashmir. (KNO)
