SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Masood on Wednesday emphasised the government’s commitment to establishing world-class healthcare infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir while reviewing the progress of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) project in Awantipora.
Masood stressed that the health sector remains a top priority for the government and highlighted the significant role AIIMS Awantipora will play in improving healthcare access for the Kashmir valley and surrounding areas once operational.
To ensure the project is completed on time, the Minister instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama to hold monthly review meetings and submit regular progress reports. She also called on the project’s executing agencies to increase the workforce and mobilise additional resources, including machinery, to expedite work through the winter months.
During the meeting, the Minister reviewed both physical and financial progress, including key aspects like water supply, construction of the approach road, and other allied facilities. She stressed the importance of completing the tube wells and bore wells by March 2025 to ensure uninterrupted water supply to the hospital.
The Minister also directed all concerned agencies to maintain high-quality standards and adhere to deadlines, ensuring there are no delays in the construction of the main hospital building and associated structures.
Masood highlighted that AIIMS Awantipora would not only improve medical services but also create job opportunities and enhance the region’s healthcare ecosystem. She urged all stakeholders to prioritise the timely completion of the project, which she described as a milestone for healthcare development in the region.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Secretary of Health and Medical Education, Executive Director of AIIMS, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, and representatives from various engineering departments. The Chief Engineer of CPWD also briefed the Minister on the project’s current status.
