Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, reviewed the progress of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora. Construction is nearing completion with remaining construction works targeted to be completed by March 2027.
On November 5, 2026, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, assessed the progress of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir. The minister evaluated the status of infrastructure development, procurement of medical equipment, faculty recruitment, and preparations for the commencement of medical and academic activities at the Institute.
Construction of AIIMS Awantipora is nearing completion, with all major buildings completed. The Minister commended the efforts of CPWD and all concerned agencies and stakeholders in advancing the project despite the challenges posed by the site's terrain and other constraints. He emphasized the need to maintain 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.
Emphasising the need for early operationalisation of the Institute, Shri Nadda directed HITES and the Executive Director, AIIMS Awantipora, to 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 ₹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 at various stages of progress.
The Union Minister also reviewed the preparations for commencement of medical services. He directed that all necessary 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. IPD services are proposed to begin in July 2027, subject to completion of the required infrastructure and operational arrangements.
Academic activities, including the commencement of MBBS classes, are proposed for the academic session 2027–28, beginning June–July 2027.
The Minister also addressed recruitment issues. He appreciated the efforts of the Executive Director and the Institute's team in progressing with the recruitment process. The Minister directed that the recruitment process be expedited to ensure the availability of qualified faculty at the earliest. He also emphasized expediting recruitment against non-faculty positions and engaging 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.
Lastly, the Minister reviewed institutional readiness and support arrangements, including campus security, transport connectivity, website development, and operational partnerships. He emphasized 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.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
