JAMMU, Aug 01: As AIIMS Jammu completes one year of dedicated public service, it is a moment of deep pride and heartfelt gratitude and on this occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO, expressed, “We owe this journey to the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, whose mission to establish AIIMS in every state and region under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) has transformed the landscape of healthcare and medical education across India.”
He added, “We are humbled and honored that AIIMS Jammu is the first All India Institute of Medical Sciences established in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, created not just as a hospital, but as a beacon of hope, knowledge, and compassionate care for generations to come.” Rooted in the spirit of equitable access to world-class healthcare, AIIMS Jammu stands as a testament to the Government’s commitment to strengthening regional medical infrastructure, bridging gaps in specialty care, and nurturing future leaders in medicine. AIIMS Jammu has emerged as a powerful National Benchmark with completion of its 43 buildings — in a record time of three and a half years, despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Speaking on this remarkable achievement, Prof. Gupta, said, “This was not just about building a campus. It was about building trust, hope, and a future.
Our timelines were tight, but our commitment was challenging.” He further added - The infrastructure was constantly monitored by a team from IIT Jammu, and the execution has earned national recognition. During the 170th CPWD Annual Day, CPWD was honored with the Best Project Award, presented by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar. It is a matter of pride for the entire Union Territory that such excellence has been achieved here. On being asked about the clinical progress of AIIMS Jammu in just one year, Prof. (Dr.) Gupta shared, “We started our clinical journey exactly a year ago — on 1st August 2024, with basic OPD and diagnostic services. Today, we are a fully operational multispecialty institute offering a wide array of services ranging from OPD to IPD, modular OTs, trauma care, dialysis, oncology, and much more.” With the motto ‘Patient First’ at its core, AIIMS Jammu began its clinical journey just a year ago,” shared Prof. Gupta, “In this short span, our commitment has translated into tangible impact. We have treated over 2.6 lakh patients in our outpatient departments, admitted nearly 4,000 patients under inpatient care, and managed more than 15,000 emergency cases with dedication and efficiency. Our surgical services have also scaled up significantly, with over 1,800 surgeries successfully performed in eight advanced modular operation theatres.
On the diagnostics front, we’ve conducted over 30,000 X-rays, 20,000 ultrasounds, more than 7,000 CT scans, and 2,300 MRIs — all within just one year of starting services.” He added, “These numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives touched, pain relieved, and hope restored. AIIMS Jammu is also the first among the new AIIMS to set up a full-fledged, high-end Transfusion Medicine unit, including a NAT Testing Platform, Chemiluminescence Analyzer, and Automated Apheresis Units. Further elevating its diagnostics, the institute has introduced a Green Smart Waterless Lab — a first in the region.
On being asked about advanced specialty care, Dr. Gupta proudly highlighted the Centre for Advanced Genomics and Precision Medicine, stating, “It’s the only such centre across all AIIMS. We no longer need to send samples abroad for high-end genomic testing — it happens right here in Jammu, with world-class standards.” This facility, along with a rapidly expanding Oncology Unit, now offers chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, bringing cancer care within reach for thousands of patients who earlier had to travel out of state. AIIMS Jammu has also introduced several innovative, patient-first services. These include the AIIMS Indoor Navigation App, a structured Patient Care Manager and Rogi Sahayak Mitra system, Parikrama Seva (e-carts) for mobility support, and the Swasthya App for booking appointments and viewing diagnostics. For patients who arrive without appointments, a dedicated AYUSH screening wing ensures no one is turned away. Speaking on academics, Prof. (Dr.) Gupta remarked, “From just one MBBS batch of 50, we’ve expanded to 100 students annually. We’ve started B.Sc. Nursing with 60 students, MD/MS, MDS, and even M.Ch. in Paediatric Surgery. Education is our pillar, and the future demands an interdisciplinary, technology-driven approach.” The Digital Library at AIIMS Jammu is one of the finest among newer AIIMS institutions — offering over 13,000 e-journals, 11,000+ clinical videos, and thousands of books, case guidelines, and MCQs.
The 1,000-seat Convention Centre has already hosted multiple national and international conferences, making AIIMS Jammu a growing academic hub. AIIMS Jammu has invited school children to visit the campus, interact with healthcare professionals, and understand the broader role of medical institutions in community well-being. Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta shared, “The idea is to show that AIIMS isn’t only a place to visit when sick — it’s a place of inspiration, where young minds can dream of becoming future healers and leaders in healthcare” With 130+ active research projects, including extramural and student-led studies, AIIMS Jammu is a research-driven institution. It has established strategic partnerships with University of Alabama (USA), IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu and CSIR-IIIM, creating a robust research and innovation ecosystem. When asked how AIIMS Jammu has accelerated so many projects in such a short span, Dr. Gupta acknowledged the support received under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
He shared, “We’re grateful to partners like SBI, ICICI, HDFC, HUDCO, and J&K Bank.” Looking to the future, AIIMS Jammu is is being developed as a “Global Village” – A centre where experts from across India and abroad can contribute and collaborate in Healthcare research, medical education and skill development. The Governing Body of AIIMS Jammu has already approved the establishment of Centres of Excellence in areas like Ophthalmology, Cancer, Robotic Surgery, Dentistry, and Telemedicine. Proposals for a CBRN Emergency Centre, an Institute of Paramedical Sciences, and expansion over an additional 100 acres are under active consideration. AIIMS Jammu has had the honour of blessings from some of the country’s most respected dignitaries. The foundation stone was laid on February 3rd, 2019, and the grand inauguration was performed by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on February 20th, 2024. The Hon’ble Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, chose AIIMS Jammu as his first AIIMS visit after assuming office, signifying its strategic value. The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Shri Manoj Sinha, declared AIIMS Jammu a ‘Pain-Free AIIMS’ in recognition of its humane care delivery. Shri Omar Abdullah, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of J&K, also visited the institute and unveiled the Manual on Disaster Management, appreciating its preparedness and foresight. The Hon’ble Chief Minister even remarked that the scale and quality of infrastructure at AIIMS Jammu set a benchmark as high as Mount Everest — an inspiring standard for all healthcare institutions to aspire to.
As the institution turns one, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta shared a message from the heart: “While we take pride in our achievements, we remain grounded in our values. If, by any word or action, any of our team members has unintentionally caused discomfort to anyone, I offer my sincere apologies. This institution belongs to every citizen it serves.” AIIMS Jammu extends its deepest gratitude to the people of Jammu, the Government of UT of J&K, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and especially the Hon’ble Prime Minister, whose vision has made this institution possible. Special thanks are also due to the faculty, students, and staff who have lived this mission every single day.
AIIMS Jammu also sincerely acknowledges the unwavering support of media personnel, who have played a pivotal role in carrying the institute’s initiatives to the masses.
|