Union Health Minister Sets March 2027 Deadline for AIIMS Awantipora Completion; OPD Services Targeted Before December 2026

Inpatient department services are proposed to begin in July 2027, while academic activities, including MBBS classes, are planned for the 2027-28 academic session.

The Union Health Minister, JP Nadda, has recently reviewed the construction progress and operational readiness of AIIMS Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir, directing officials to accelerate pending infrastructure work, medical equipment procurement, and recruitment.

The Institute's outpatient department (OPD) services are targeted to commence before December 2026, while the remaining construction work is expected to be completed by March 2027.

AIIMS Awantipora is a major healthcare infrastructure project intended to expand access to specialised medical services and medical education in Jammu and Kashmir. Its development is expected to strengthen the region's tertiary healthcare capacity and improve access to advanced treatment, reducing the need for some patients to travel outside the region for specialised care.

During the review, Union Health Minister JP Nadda assessed infrastructure development, equipment procurement, staffing and preparations for the Institute's medical and academic activities.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and other stakeholders in completing the major buildings despite challenging terrain and other site-related constraints.

The Phase-I infrastructure, including the OPD Registration Block, OPD Block, residential buildings, and designated hostels, is complete.

Inventory verification and formal handover procedures are underway, while the remaining hospital, academic, administrative, residential, and hostel facilities are being completed in phases.

The Union Health Minister directed HITES and the Executive Director of AIIMS Awantipora to expedite the procurement of medical equipment, OPD instruments, laboratory equipment, and essential furniture.

According to the Ministry, procurement approval has been conveyed for 180 medical equipment items worth INR 59.41 Cr. Notices of Award have been issued for 140 items, while other procurement processes remain at different stages.

The Institute is targeting the commencement of OPD services before December 2026, subject to the completion of essential operational arrangements.

Inpatient department (IPD) services are proposed to begin in July 2027, while academic activities, including MBBS classes, are planned for the 2027-28 academic session, beginning in June-July 2027.

Nadda has called for faster recruitment of faculty and non-faculty personnel to support clinical services and academic operations. The Ministry has approved arrangements for 652 essential manpower positions across various categories, including 150 security personnel, as part of preparations for the OPD and related services.

The review also covered campus security, transport connectivity, website development and operational partnerships. The Minister stressed coordination among AIIMS Awantipora, CPWD, HITES and the local administration to address outstanding issues and support the Institute's early operationalisation.

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