Srinagar, Nov 5 (KNS): Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Thursday directed officials to ensure the commencement of full-fledged Outpatient Department (OPD) services at AIIMS Awantipora before December 2026, while setting June 2027 as the deadline for completing the entire project, which has so far achieved 83 per cent physical progress.

During a visit to the institute, Nadda reviewed the pace of construction, availability of medical infrastructure and recruitment of healthcare professionals, laying down a phased timeline for making the long-awaited premier healthcare institution fully operational.

The Union Minister directed the authorities to take necessary steps for commencing Inpatient Department (IPD) services by July 2027 and starting MBBS classes from the next academic session.

Officials informed Nadda that construction of the institute had reached 83 per cent physical progress, leaving 17 per cent of the work to be completed.

The Minister asked the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and other executing agencies to accelerate the remaining works and ensure completion of the entire project before June 2027.

Describing AIIMS Awantipora as a priority project of the Government of India, Nadda stressed that construction and operational preparations must proceed simultaneously to avoid delays in the commencement of medical services.

The review also focused on procurement of medical equipment, furniture and other essential infrastructure required to make the hospital functional.

Nadda directed closer coordination between HITES and the Executive Director of AIIMS Awantipora to expedite procurement, particularly for the proposed commencement of full-fledged OPD services before December.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The Minister also examined the status of faculty and non-faculty recruitment, an important requirement for making the institution operational.

He was informed that advertisements for faculty positions had received an encouraging response, with more than 1,000 applications submitted by prospective candidates.

Nadda directed officials to fast-track the recruitment process, including faculty interviews, to ensure that medical professionals and supporting staff are available in time for the commencement of healthcare services.

The review highlighted the need to synchronise completion of infrastructure, procurement of medical equipment and recruitment of manpower to meet the operational deadlines.

During his inspection of the campus, the Union Minister assessed preparations for the commencement of OPD services and reviewed the remaining infrastructure requirements.

He appreciated the progress achieved by CPWD and other stakeholders despite challenges posed by the site's terrain and construction conditions.

Nadda also called for close coordination among AIIMS Awantipora, CPWD and the local administration to address security-related and other operational issues that could affect the commissioning of the institute.

The Minister said the early operationalisation of AIIMS Awantipora would significantly strengthen tertiary healthcare facilities in Jammu and Kashmir and improve access to advanced, affordable and quality medical treatment for people across the region.(KNS)