SRINAGAR: Construction of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Awantipora in south Kashmir is nearing completion, with all major buildings finished and outpatient department (OPD) services targeted to begin before December 2026.
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda reviewed the progress of the project on Thursday, assessing infrastructure development, procurement of medical equipment, recruitment of staff and preparations for starting medical and academic activities at the institute.
During the review, Nadda was informed that Phase-I infrastructure, including the OPD Registration Block, OPD Block, residential buildings and designated hostels, had been completed. Inventory verification and formal handover processes are currently underway.
Setting March 2027 as the deadline for completing the remaining construction works, the minister appreciated the efforts of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and other agencies, acknowledging the challenges posed by the site’s terrain and other constraints. He directed the agencies to maintain the pace of work, describing AIIMS Awantipora as a priority project.
The equipment procurement process has also gathered pace, with approval conveyed for 180 medical equipment items worth Rs 59.41 crore. Notices of Award have already been issued for 140 of these items. Procurement of OPD instruments, laboratory equipment and medical and administrative furniture is at various stages.
Nadda directed HITES and the institute’s Executive Director to coordinate closely and expedite all essential purchases required for starting OPD services, stressing that equipment, diagnostic facilities and manpower must be arranged in advance.
According to the proposed schedule, inpatient department (IPD) services are expected to commence in July 2027, subject to completion of the necessary infrastructure and operational arrangements. MBBS classes are proposed to begin in the 2027–28 academic session, starting June–July 2027.
On the manpower front, the Ministry has approved engagement of 652 personnel across different categories to support the initial functioning of the institute. These include hospital attendants, housekeeping and sanitation workers and 150 security personnel.
The minister also reviewed faculty and non-faculty recruitment, directing the institute to accelerate the process to ensure the availability of qualified teaching staff and other essential personnel before the commencement of services.
Other areas examined during the meeting included campus security, transport connectivity, website development and operational partnerships. Nadda stressed coordination among AIIMS Awantipora, CPWD, HITES and the local administration to resolve outstanding issues.
Once operational, AIIMS Awantipora is expected to significantly expand access to specialised and tertiary healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir while strengthening medical education and healthcare capacity in the region.
