JAMMU, Feb 2: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jammu at Vijaypur in Samba district is likely to be made operational from 3rd week of the ongoing month with initiation of OPD services in about 50 specialties.
This was disclosed by Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Founder Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Jammu, while interacting with media persons at make-shift campus of the Institution located at Maheshpura Chowk, Bakshi Nagar, here today.
Prof Gupta informed that AIIMS Jammu is part of a development package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 with the aim to address regional healthcare imbalances, encourage evidence based research and elevate medical education standards.
The foundation stone for AIIMS Jammu was laid by the Prime Minister on February 3, 2019 and in February 2020, the “Bhoomi Poojan” ceremony for the Institution took place in the presence of Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State, and other dignitaries.
He shared that the AIIMS Jammu Medical College currently provides the MBBS program and is dedicated to introduce BSc Nursing, Post-Graduation programs (MD/MS/MDS), Super Specialization programs (DM/MCh), Doctorate (PhD) degrees, and more in the future.
“Key features of AIIMS Jammu which is sprawling across 226.84 acres along National Highway 44, comprise a two-storey “Ayush Block” with 30 beds, a convention centre, an Academic Building accommodating Hospital Block, Convention centre, a Medical College for 100 students annually, and a Nursing College for 60 students yearly and a Night Shelter for 216 attendants,” the CEO informed.
He revealed that the South campus of the Institution includes multi-storied staff housing, a Director’s Bungalow, UG/PG hostels, a Sports Club, Cricket Stadium, Basketball and Lawn Tennis Courts, Squash Court, surface parking for 3284 cars, a Guest House for 26 guests, and connectivity between campuses through one motorable and two pedestrian underpasses.
“In the past, individuals facing cancer and severe cardiac or neurological conditions had to travel long distances to cities like Amritsar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and New Delhi, often causing financial strain and time loss. Sadly, many succumbed to their illnesses due to the lack of accessible and affordable healthcare. Now, AIIMS Jammu will provide hope, offering 750 beds in Phase-I, revolutionizing specialized medical care for patients closer to home,” he boasted.
Prof Gupta said that the OPD services are anticipated to handle an average of 2000-3000 patients per day, offering a spectrum of services. The AIIMS facility in Jammu will be a sanctuary for those battling cancer, offering dedicated care units in both Surgical and Medical Oncology departments. Moreover, it will extend its healing touch to a multitude of medical domains, boasting 193 ICU beds spread across various specialties.
He said that the 750-bedded hospital building will be a marvel in itself, equipped with cutting-edge facilities such as MRI, CT Scan, Nuclear Medicine, 20 Modular OTs, ICU, Super Specialty departments, OPD, and Trauma Beds. This infrastructure represents not just a medical facility but a symbol of hope and progress for the region and neighboring states like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and the UT of Ladakh. AIIMS Jammu also has a helipad for air ambulance transportation of trauma patients.
In the near future, Prof Gupta stated, nearly 50 departments, spanning Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, Clinical, and Super-Specialty fields, will be functional. Radiology and Lab services will be operating round the clock, ensuring that humane and continuous care is readily available. The Institution will also host special clinics addressing specific health concerns of the region.
