AWANTIPORA, November 5, 2026 – Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday morning to conduct a comprehensive on-site review of the much-awaited All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) project at Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
The Union Minister’s high-level visit is aimed at assessing the pace of execution and the preparedness for launching initial patient services, amid growing concerns over persistent delays in fully operationalizing the premier healthcare facility.
During his visit, Nadda inspected the sprawling campus, which is being developed at a revised cost of over ₹2,160 crore by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and executing agency NCC Limited. Officials briefed the Health Minister that the project has achieved an overall physical progress of 81%.
According to the latest timeline presented during the review, the Out-Patient Department (OPD) and essential diagnostic services at AIIMS Awantipora are targeted to commence before December 2026. The Pulwama district administration has heavily emphasized starting these services in a phased manner, ensuring patients have immediate access to necessary medical investigations without waiting for the entire project’s completion.
The sprawling institute comprises 57 buildings. Officials informed Nadda that Phase-II of the project, which includes academic and allied infrastructure, is slated for completion by the end of November 2026. However, major structural components under Phase-III, including Hospital Blocks 3 and 5, are scheduled for completion by June 2027. Consequently, full In-Patient Department (IPD) services are proposed to become operational by July 2027.
Once fully functional, AIIMS Awantipora will feature a 750-bed capacity, complete with emergency and trauma beds, an AYUSH block, private wards, and advanced intensive care units. It is expected to cater to around 1,500 outpatients daily and 1,000 inpatients monthly. Furthermore, the institute will bolster medical education in the Valley by hosting 100 MBBS seats and 60 B.Sc. Nursing seats, alongside 15-20 super-specialty departments.
The early operationalization of the project is seen as crucial for the region, heavily advocated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, J&K Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, who has previously termed the hospital a “dream project” of her late father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
Published by True Roots Media Network