JAMMU, AUG 27 : Unveiling the future healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director, of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jammu Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta on Saturday said initially the OPD service and lab tests facility will begin from next week.

“The appointment scheduling, available radio-diagnostic services, and the 24×7 diagnostic lab along with initially only OPD services will be available from next week,” Dr Gupta told media persons in an interaction at AIIMS Convention Centre, Vijaypur. He stated that the IPD, elective surgeries, and other services will follow soon.

The CEO said AIIMS Jammu, the “first AIIMS facility” in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, embodies the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, serving as a beacon of healthcare excellence, advancing research, elevating medical education, and championing a patient-centric, evidence-based healthcare model under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna (PMSSY).

Highlighting the upcoming OPD services at AIIMS Jammu, the Director reassured that the imminent dedication of OPD services marks a significant advancement in the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

During a comprehensive presentation, he emphasized the institution’s achievements and plans and introduced exclusive features of the institution, which are set to redefine healthcare delivery in the region.

The Director said, “The institute will be equipped with 750 beds, including 193 ICU beds, 20 ultra-modern OTs, and features 50 departments with nearly 20 super-specialties. It will offer unparalleled healthcare with state-of-the-art facilities and technology, supported by a dedicated healthcare team.”
Its outreach through telemedicine and technological innovations extends care to even the most remote communities, he said and added, “AIIMS Jammu is committed to a green, eco-friendly township with diverse amenities, like Sports Complex, J&K Bank, SBI Bank, Shopping Complex, Mess, crèche facility, Guest House and Residential Complexes to enhance staff satisfaction and productivity”.

Prof. Gupta shared that AIIMS Jammu is currently focused on launching its OPD services, detailing appointment procedures, available radio diagnostic services, and operational aspect of the 24×7 diagnostic lab, all designed to enhance convenience and efficiency for the community, ensuring timely and accurate diagnostics and treatment.

He also outlined plans for the expansion of services. While the initial phase will concentrate on OPD care, subsequent phases will introduce a wider range of services, including inpatient department (IPD) care, elective surgeries, and various other medical specialties, he stated.

“This phased approach is strategically planned to ensure a smooth and gradual rollout of additional services, addressing the evolving healthcare needs of not only of the people of J&K, but also for that of Leh, and other neighbouring states like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh,” Prof. Gupta shared adding that on the academic front, AIIMS Jammu, permits an annual intake of 100 MBBS students and 60 B.Sc. Nursing students.

Additionally, AIIMS Jammu currently offers 45 Post Graduate seats across Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, with Super Specialization courses (DM/MCh) expected to commence in January 2025.

“With its unique infrastructure, exceptional talent, and forward-thinking approach, AIIMS Jammu is committed to making quality healthcare a universal right. As an Institution of National Importance, AIIMS Jammu embodies the spirit of a “Global Village,” offering a unified; One Campus; solution that represents hope, trust, and progress for students, researchers, and patients worldwide,” he expressed.

Dr Gupta also expressed gratitude, stating, “Conceived on November 7, 2015, AIIMS Jammu’s foundation stone was laid on February 3, 2019, and its grand inauguration was graced by the Prime Minister on February 20 this year.”’

He also thanked Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, for his recent visit on July 7 besides the State Governance under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, for his unwavering support, encouragement, and cooperation at every step.(UNI)