Healthcare push positions J&K as regional medical hub: Govt

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday claimed that the Union Territory is witnessing a historic transformation in its healthcare sector, marked by large-scale infrastructure development, significant expansion in medical education, and sustained support from the Government of India.

According to an official statement issued by the J&K Information Department, strategic investments made over the past several years by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) have fundamentally reshaped healthcare delivery across the UT. These efforts aim to ensure that quality medical services are accessible not only in urban centres but also in rural, border, and geographically challenging areas.

“Large-scale healthcare infrastructure projects and systematic upgradation of services at the grassroots level have played a pivotal role in redefining the healthcare landscape of J&K. These initiatives have not only enhanced the quality of medical services but have also ensured their availability closer to the doorsteps of people residing in far-flung and remote regions of the UT,” the statement said.

A major highlight of this transformation is the establishment of two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in J&K, which has elevated the UT’s healthcare ecosystem to national and global standards.

“AIIMS Jammu, now fully operational, is providing world-class tertiary and super-specialty healthcare services. Equipped with advanced diagnostic, surgical, and critical care facilities, the institute has significantly reduced the need for patients to seek specialised treatment outside the UT. In addition to patient care, AIIMS Jammu has emerged as a centre of excellence for medical education and research, contributing to capacity building and the advancement of medical knowledge in the region,” the statement highlighted.

AIIMS Kashmir, sanctioned by the Government of India and nearing completion, is expected to become operational by the end of the year. Once functional, it is expected to play a transformative role in strengthening advanced healthcare services in the Valley, particularly in super-specialties such as oncology, cardiology and neurology.

Another major milestone in the UT’s healthcare journey has been the rapid expansion of Government Medical Colleges, significantly strengthening both district-level healthcare delivery and medical education.

From just four medical colleges a few years ago, the UT now has twelve, including newly established institutions in underserved districts. The expansion also includes AYUSH institutions such as the Government Ayurvedic College, the Government Unani College at Ganderbal, and the Government Homeopathic College at Kathua, strengthening traditional systems of medicine and offering diverse and affordable healthcare options.

Medical colleges established in districts including Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur, and Rajouri have emerged as key anchors of district-level healthcare. These institutions have improved access to specialist doctors, diagnostics, and emergency services while also functioning as teaching hospitals, thereby substantially enhancing local healthcare capacity.

The statement further noted a historic increase in medical education capacity to ensure long-term sustainability of healthcare services in the UT. MBBS seats have increased from 500 to 1,725, adding over 1,200 seats to address the long-standing shortage of doctors. Postgraduate and super-specialty seats have risen from 513 to 802, while DNB seats have seen a sharp increase from 20 to 438, enabling in-service doctors to pursue advanced training within the UT.

Several large-scale healthcare infrastructure projects supported by the central government are currently at advanced stages of development. These include a 243-bedded modern Labour Block at SMGS Hospital in Jammu to strengthen maternal and neonatal care, and a 100-bedded Mother and Child Hospital at Lamberi in Rajouri to serve border and rural populations.