Dr Arja Srikanth
WIn the picturesque town of Vijaypur, nestled within the Samba district of Jammu, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu stands as a monumental achievement in healthcare infrastructure. This remarkable institution signifies a giant leap forward for the region of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the neighboring areas of Ladakh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. For years, these regions have grappled with limited access to advanced medical care, compelling many patients to undertake long journeys for specialized treatment. AIIMS Jammu emerges as more than just a healthcare facility; it is a beacon of hope, poised to redefine healthcare delivery and transform lives across North India.
The story of AIIMS Jammu is one of vision, commitment, and rapid transformation. Conceived under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), AIIMS Jammu embodies the Indian government’s resolve to bridge the healthcare divide in remote and underserved areas. The construction of this state-of-the-art facility began with the laying of the foundation stone by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, and it has progressed at an extraordinary pace. With all 43 planned buildings nearing completion, this achievement highlights the dedication and efficiency that have characterized the project. In just five years, AIIMS Jammu has risen to become a symbol of modern healthcare infrastructure in India, and its impact is set to resonate across the region for decades to come.
At the helm of this transformative journey is Dr. Shakti Kumar Gupta, the Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Jammu. His leadership has been pivotal in driving the rapid progress of the institute. Dr. Gupta’s unwavering commitment, coupled with the support of a highly motivated team, has ensured that AIIMS Jammu remains on track to fulfill its mission. The institute proudly showcases its recruitment of faculty from across India, a testament to its readiness to offer world-class medical services, cutting-edge research, and top-tier medical education.
Despite being relatively new, AIIMS Jammu is already blazing a trail in healthcare excellence. The facility offers specialized medical services across multiple disciplines, including cardiology, neurology, nephrology, and cancer care. These advanced services cater to a vast population that has long lacked access to such specialized care. Until now, patients from the Jammu region often had to travel to metropolitan cities like Delhi or Chandigarh for life-saving treatments. AIIMS Jammu is set to change that narrative, bringing state-of-the-art medical services much closer to home.
Since the commencement of its outpatient department (OPD), inpatient department (IPD), operating theatres (OT), and emergency services, AIIMS Jammu has been serving between 800 to 1,000 patients daily. The institute anticipates this number will rise to around 2,500 patients in the coming months. The OPD not only addresses the everyday healthcare needs of the local population but also offers specialized care for more severe conditions. This positions AIIMS Jammu as one of the largest OPD service providers in North India.
The successful launch of operation theatre services has already achieved remarkable surgical milestones, showcasing the exceptional care and expertise available at AIIMS Jammu. Accessibility to the institute is further enhanced by the ongoing completion of the Jammu National Highway, which runs adjacent to the facility. This key infrastructure development is expected to facilitate easier access for patients from the farthest corners of Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, and even neighboring states, making AIIMS Jammu a healthcare lifeline for millions.
The vision for AIIMS Jammu extends beyond merely providing healthcare; the leadership is committed to establishing the institution as an “Institute of National Importance.” This ambitious vision is well within reach, given the institute’s focus on education, research, and patient care. AIIMS Jammu is not just a hospital, but a healthcare giant in the making, equipped with the latest advancements in medical technology. Upon completion, the facility will feature 20 modular operating theatres, 193 intensive care unit (ICU) beds, 594 general beds, 30 Ayush beds, and 123 non-complementary beds dedicated to various specialties such as general medicine, orthopedics, obstetrics, and gynecology. This comprehensive setup is designed to offer extensive healthcare services across a broad spectrum of medical fields.
Moreover, dialysis services and chemotherapy for cancer patients have already commenced. The institute’s diagnostic facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 3 Tesla MRI, a state-of-the-art 128-slice CT scan, digital X-ray services, and endoscopy and colonoscopy services. These resources are designed to provide a full range of diagnostic and treatment services for even the most complex cases. AIIMS Jammu has also operationalized 24/7 laboratory services, a Jan Aushadhi store, and an Amrit Pharmacy, along with a night shelter for patients and their families.
In a world where technology is reshaping every sector, AIIMS Jammu is at the forefront of technological innovations in healthcare. The institute’s digital library, available 24/7 to students, faculty, and researchers, is part of its broader mission to foster a culture of continuous learning. Another technological breakthrough is the Indoor Patient Navigation System, developed in collaboration with IIT Delhi. This system, akin to an indoor GPS, offers real-time location tracking, helping patients navigate the expansive campus with ease. Whether heading to an appointment or finding a specific department, patients can efficiently reach their destinations, significantly reducing stress and confusion.
AIIMS Jammu is also leveraging technology to streamline administrative processes and enhance patient care. By partnering with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), the institute has implemented systems such as the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) and Hospital Management Information System (HMIS). These digital solutions contribute to operational efficiency, ensuring that AIIMS Jammu remains a leader in healthcare delivery.
More than just a hospital, AIIMS Jammu is an educational powerhouse. With an annual intake of 100 MBBS students and 60 nursing students, the institute is actively shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. In August 2024, AIIMS Jammu welcomed its fifth batch of MBBS students, marking another milestone in its academic journey. The institute also offers postgraduate courses in medicine, surgery, and dentistry, with plans to introduce super-specialization courses by 2025. These programs will help bridge a critical gap in the healthcare system by producing highly skilled specialists capable of delivering top-tier care across various medical disciplines.
The research initiatives at AIIMS Jammu are equally impressive. The institute is spearheading a multi-centric research project across six AIIMS institutions, supported by a Rs. 25 crore grant from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). With 81 research projects currently underway, AIIMS Jammu is positioning itself as a leader in healthcare innovation, contributing to medical advancements not only in India but globally.
Community outreach is another cornerstone of AIIMS Jammu’s mission. The institute is committed to extending its services to underserved populations, particularly in rural and remote areas. Through telemedicine, on-the-ground medical camps, and digital healthcare platforms, AIIMS Jammu is making healthcare accessible to those who need it most. For many families in these regions, AIIMS represents their first opportunity to receive advanced medical care without the burden of traveling to distant cities.
The institute’s collaborations with top institutions both within India and abroad, including IITs, IIMs, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, further enhance its research capabilities and foster knowledge exchange. These partnerships are critical in ensuring that AIIMS Jammu remains at the cutting edge of medical research and healthcare education.
AIIMS Jammu stands as a remarkable testament to the future of healthcare in India. With its state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering commitment to advancing medical education and research, the institute is poised to transform the lives of people in Jammu and beyond. AIIMS Jammu is not merely a hospital; it is a beacon of hope and a leader in healthcare innovation. Its journey from inception to completion serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when vision and dedication converge.
AIIMS Jammu is setting a new benchmark in patient-centered care by providing comprehensive medical services under one roof, led by a team of nationally recognized clinicians. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, minimal wait times, and a seamless digital system that ensures continuity of care, AIIMS is not just about treating illnesses but about enhancing the overall healthcare experience. The institute’s commitment to affordability through government-sponsored health schemes makes top-tier healthcare accessible to all, while personalized support systems-such as patient care managers, navigational assistance, and 24/7 laboratory and emergency care-ensure that patients and their families feel guided and supported at every step.
AIIMS Jammu is embarking on an ambitious journey to establish itself as a “Global Village” with several ‘Centres of Excellence,’ aimed at ensuring the success and impact of its healthcare and educational endeavors . The institutional vision encompasses a multidimensional approach, featuring specialised centres in areas such as Institute of Traumatology, Telemedicine and Telecare, Nursing, Comprehensive Cancer Care, Advanced Studies in Hospital Administration, Ophthalmology, Dental Sciences, Forensic Sciences, and Comprehensive Community Outreach Services. For years to come, AIIMS Jammu will continue to shape the healthcare landscape, improving outcomes and offering a brighter future to all those it serves.
(The Author is former Special Secretary,
Government of Andhra Pradesh)
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