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Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilisers, JP Nadda, on Thursday reviewed the progress of construction and operationalisation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, during the review, the Union Health Minister assessed the status of infrastructure development, procurement of medical equipment and furniture, recruitment of faculty and other personnel, and preparedness for commencement of medical and academic activities at the Institute. The Minister was informed that construction of AIIMS Awantipora is nearing completion, with all major buildings completed. Appreciating the efforts of CPWD and all concerned agencies and stakeholders, Nadda commended their dedicated efforts in advancing the project despite the challenges posed by the site's terrain and other constraints. He emphasised that AIIMS Awantipora is a priority project and directed the concerned agencies to maintain the momentum and complete the remaining construction works by March 2027. The Minister reviewed the phase-wise construction and handover plan. It was informed that the Phase-I buildings, including the OPD Registration Block, OPD Block, residential buildings and designated hostels, have been completed, with inventory verification and formal handover processes underway. The remaining academic, administrative, hospital, residential and hostel infrastructure is being taken up in a phased manner, said a release. Emphasising the need for early operationalisation of the Institute, Nadda directed HITES and the Executive Director, AIIMS Awantipora, to work in close coordination and expedite the procurement of medical equipment, OPD instruments, laboratory equipment and medical and administrative furniture. He stressed that all essential procurements required for commencement of OPD services must be completed on priority. It was informed that procurement approval has been conveyed for 180 medical equipment items amounting to Rs 59.41 crore, of which Notices of Award have been issued for 140 items. Procurement processes for OPD instruments, laboratory furniture and medical and administrative furniture are also at various stages of progress. The Union Health Minister also reviewed preparedness for commencement of medical services and directed that all requisite arrangements, including equipment, diagnostic facilities, manpower and other operational requirements, be completed in advance. The OPD services at AIIMS Awantipora are targeted to commence before December 2026. The IPD services are proposed to begin in July 2027, subject to completion of the requisite infrastructure and operational arrangements. Academic activities, including commencement of MBBS classes, are proposed for the academic session 202728, beginning JuneJuly 2027. Reviewing the recruitment status, the Minister appreciated the efforts of the Executive Director and the Institute's team in taking forward the recruitment process. The Minister directed that the recruitment process be fast-tracked to ensure the availability of qualified faculty at the earliest. He also emphasised expediting recruitment against non-faculty positions and engagement of the requisite manpower for operationalisation of OPD and other services. The Ministry has approved the engagement of essential manpower for operationalisation of the OPD and related services, including hospital attendants, housekeeping and sanitation personnel, and security staff. The proposed manpower arrangements cover 652 positions across various categories, including 150 security personnel, a release further said. The Minister further reviewed institutional readiness and support arrangements, including campus security, transport connectivity, website development and operational partnerships. He emphasised the need for effective coordination among AIIMS Awantipora, CPWD, HITES and the local administration to address security and other operational issues and ensure the smooth functioning of the Institute. Reiterating the Government's commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the country, Nadda emphasised that the timely completion and operationalisation of AIIMS Awantipora would be an important step towards expanding access to quality tertiary healthcare and specialised medical services in Jammu and Kashmir. The Institute will also strengthen medical education and contribute to the development of healthcare capacity in the region, in keeping with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure accessible and quality healthcare for all, a release added. (ANI)
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