SRINAGAR: The Union Health Ministry has approved the engagement of 652 personnel across various categories for the operationalisation of outpatient and related services at AIIMS Awantipora, with recruitment of faculty and non-faculty staff to be expedited.
The proposed manpower arrangements include hospital attendants, housekeeping and sanitation personnel, and security staff, including 150 security personnel.
The matter was reviewed by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Thursday during a meeting to assess the institute’s preparedness for the commencement of medical and academic activities.
According to an official statement, Nadda directed the Executive Director and the institute’s team to fast-track the recruitment process to ensure the availability of qualified faculty at the earliest.
He also stressed the need to expedite recruitment against non-faculty positions and engage the requisite manpower for the commencement of OPD and other services.
The Minister appreciated the efforts of the Executive Director and the institute’s team in taking forward the recruitment process.
The Ministry has approved the engagement of essential manpower for operationalising OPD and related services, including hospital attendants, housekeeping and sanitation personnel, and security staff. The proposed arrangements cover 652 positions across various categories, including 150 security personnel.
Nadda emphasised that adequate manpower, along with medical equipment, diagnostic facilities and other operational requirements, must be arranged before the institute begins providing healthcare services.
The recruitment review formed part of a broader assessment of infrastructure development, equipment procurement and operational preparedness at AIIMS Awantipora.
The Minister was informed that construction of the institute was nearing completion, with all major buildings having been completed. The Phase-I buildings, including the OPD Registration Block, OPD Block, residential buildings and designated hostels, have been completed, while inventory verification and formal handover processes are underway.
The remaining academic, administrative, hospital, residential and hostel infrastructure is being taken up in phases. Nadda directed the concerned agencies to complete the remaining construction works by March 2027.
OPD services at AIIMS Awantipora are targeted to commence before December 2026, while inpatient department (IPD) services are proposed to begin in July 2027, subject to completion of the requisite infrastructure and operational arrangements.
Academic activities, including MBBS classes, are proposed to commence in June–July 2027 under the 2027–28 academic session.
The Minister also directed HITES and the Executive Director to coordinate closely and expedite procurement of medical equipment, OPD instruments, laboratory equipment and medical and administrative furniture.
Procurement approval has been conveyed for 180 medical equipment items worth Rs 59.41 crore, of which Notices of Award have been issued for 140 items. Procurement of OPD instruments, laboratory furniture and medical and administrative furniture is at various stages of progress.
Nadda further reviewed institutional readiness and support arrangements, including campus security, transport connectivity, website development and operational partnerships.
He stressed the need for effective coordination among AIIMS Awantipora, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), HITES and the local administration to address security and other operational issues and ensure the smooth functioning of the institute.
The Minister said timely completion and operationalisation of AIIMS Awantipora would strengthen access to quality tertiary healthcare and specialised medical services in Jammu and Kashmir, besides contributing to medical education and healthcare capacity in the region.
