AIIMS Jammu: Unveiling “Future of Healthcare” in J&K – sharing its Vision

Samba July 27: AIIMS Jammu, the “first AIIMS facility” in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, embodies the vision of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, serving as a beacon of healthcare excellence, advancing research, elevating medical education, and championing a patient-centric, evidence-based healthcare model under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna (PMSSY).

Prof. (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Jammu, held a press meet to share his vision for healthcare in Jammu & Kashmir and to highlight the upcoming OPD services at AIIMS Jammu. He showcased the facility’s cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art infrastructure, emphasizing their role in enhancing patient experience. He informed the media about appointment scheduling, available radio-diagnostic services, and the 24/7 diagnostic lab, noting that initially only OPD services will be available, with IPD, elective surgeries, and other services to follow soon.

The Director began his address with heartfelt gratitude, stating, “Conceived on November 7th, 2015, AIIMS Jammu’s foundation stone was laid on February 3rd, 2019, and its grand inauguration was graced by the Prime Minister on February 20th, 2024. We are deeply grateful to Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Hon’ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, for his visit on July 7, 2024. His presence and guidance have been a source of immense pride and inspiration, marking his first visit to any AIIMS since becoming Health Minister.”

The Director conveyed deep gratitude towards the State Governance under the leadership of Honorable Lt. Governor of J&K, Sh. Manoj Sinha, for his unwavering support, encouragement, and cooperation at every step.

Prof. (Dr.) Gupta shared his visionary plans for the future of healthcare in Jammu & Kashmir, reassuring that the imminent dedication of OPD services marks a significant advancement in the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

The Director made a comprehensive presentation on AIIMS Jammu, emphasizing the institution’s achievements and future plans. In his address, Prof. Gupta introduced the media to the exclusive features of AIIMS Jammu, which are set to redefine healthcare delivery in the region.

The director mentioned, “The institute will be equipped with 750 beds, including 193 ICU beds, 20 ultra-modern OTs and features 50 departments with nearly 20 super-specialties. It will offer unparalleled healthcare with state-of-the-art facilities and technology, supported by a dedicated healthcare team. Its outreach through telemedicine and technological innovations extends care to even the most remote communities”.

The Director added, “AIIMS Jammu is committed to a green, eco-friendly township with diverse amenities, like Sports Complex, J&K Bank, SBI Bank, Shopping Complex, Mess, crèche facility, Guest House and Residential Complexes to enhance staff satisfaction and productivity”.

“Seeing is believing”, Media personnel were guided through various facilities within the Academic Block, including the Poison Information Centre, Central Digital Library, Lecture Halls, Cafeteria, and the College of Nursing. A tour of the world-class Convention Centre was followed by a visit to the Outpatient Department (OPD), where they observed the registration counters, Patient Care Managers, PC Coordinators and the innovative “Indoor Navigation System” designed to assist patients in locating their departments. The introduction of this system was particularly praised, as it represents a first for AIIMS institutions. The media conclave continued with visits to diagnostic facilities, including 3-Tesla MRI, 128 sliced CT, and digital X-ray services, as well as the 24×7 Diagnostic Lab. The tour included a visit to the Ayush Block, which serves as a screening facility for walk-in patients, the Emergency Services, ICU, Operating Theatres. The tour continued with visits to the Jan Aushadhi, Amrit Pharmacy and Night Shelter.

The state-of-the-art facility, which the media had the privilege of touring, boasts cutting-edge technology and modern infrastructure designed to offer world-class medical services. Prof. Gupta emphasized that these advancements are integral to enhancing the patient experience, ensuring that residents of Jammu & Kashmir receive the highest quality of care.

Prof. Gupta shared that AIIMS Jammu is currently focused on launching its OPD services, detailing appointment procedures, available radiodiagnostic services, and operational aspect of the 24/7 diagnostic lab, all designed to enhance convenience and efficiency for the community, ensuring timely and accurate diagnostics and treatment.

Prof. Gupta also outlined future plans for the expansion of services. While the initial phase will concentrate on OPD care, subsequent phases will introduce a wider range of services, including inpatient department (IPD) care, elective surgeries, and various other medical specialties. This phased approach is strategically planned to ensure a smooth and gradual rollout of additional services, addressing the evolving healthcare needs of not only of the people of J&K, but also for that of Leh, and other neighbouring states like Punjab and Himchal Pradesh.

Prof. Gupta shared that on the academic front, AIIMS Jammu, permits an annual intake of 100 MBBS students and 60 B.Sc. Nursing students. The MBBS intake has grown from 50 (in 2020 batch , 61 (2021 & 2022), 62 (in 2023) to a proposed 100 for 2024, with B.Sc. Nursing consistently admitting 60 students annually. Additionally, AIIMS Jammu currently offers 45 Post Graduate seats across Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, with Super Specialization courses (DM/MCh) expected to commence in January 2025.

He further added, “The institute offers an exceptional educational environment, where students are shaped into medical leaders. With smart lecture theatres, advanced laboratories, and simulation labs, it fosters intellectual curiosity and skill development. An unmatched digital library, not available in any other AIIMS facility, will be open 24/7, and dedicated mentors support at every step of the learning journey”.

The Director emphasized that AIIMS Jammu fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating AYUSH with modern technology, IIT, IIM, IIIM, and Naturopathy, supported by international partnerships. This creates an innovation hub where ideas thrive. Currently, AIIMS Jammu is advancing 81 research projects, including 41 extramurally funded, 29 intramurally funded, and 11 student research projects.

The director conveyed, “AIIMS Jammu aims to achieve complete healthcare digitalization within a year, progressing through four key milestones. It promotes women empowerment through equal opportunities, supportive work environments, gender-sensitive policies, and specialized leadership programs.”

The director expressed, “At AIIMS Jammu, a substantial portion of our workforce hails from the local region of Jammu & Kashmir, constituting 58% of the total staff, while those from other regions make up 42%. In terms of employment types, outsourced staff predominantly comprise local residents at 99%, with only 1% from outside regions. Among senior residents, 92% are from Jammu & Kashmir, contrasted with 8% from other areas. Faculty members also show a significant local presence, with 59% from Jammu & Kashmir and 41% from other regions. Gender representation across key roles is diverse: women hold 49% of faculty positions, 62% of senior resident roles, and 80% of nursing staff positions. Overall, women represent 45% of the workforce, while men account for 55%.”

The press meet served not only as an introduction to the new facilities but also as an opportunity for AIIMS Jammu to reinforce its commitment to transparency and community engagement. Prof. Gupta’s vision reflects a broader goal of elevating healthcare standards in the region and improving access to high-quality medical services for all residents.

The Director asserteded that with its unique infrastructure, exceptional talent, and forward-thinking approach, AIIMS Jammu is committed to making quality healthcare a universal right. As an Institution of National Importance, AIIMS Jammu embodies the spirit of a “Global Village,” offering a unified “One Campus” solution that represents hope, trust, and progress for students, researchers, and patients worldwide.

The director concluded the meet saying, “I, personally and professionally, am thankful to the people of Jammu for their unwavering support, the Government of India for their steadfast trust, and my team for their dedication and commitment. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the media, the fourth pillar of democracy and the nation’s voice, for their invaluable role in this AIIMS journey of continued progress and hope.”

“Good health is the greatest blessing. Health is the means of everything”.