Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a significant transformation in its healthcare sector, driven by massive infrastructure development, expansion in medical education, and sustained support from the Government of India, officials said on Tuesday.
Strategic investments by the Union Health Ministry have reshaped healthcare delivery across the Union Territory, ensuring quality medical services are accessible not only in urban centres but also in rural, border, and geographically challenging areas.
“A cornerstone of this transformation is the establishment of two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jammu and Kashmir, elevating the UT’s healthcare ecosystem to national and global standards,” officials said.
“AIIMS Jammu, now fully operational, provides world-class tertiary and super-specialty services. Equipped with advanced diagnostic, surgical, and critical care facilities, the institute has significantly reduced the need for patients to seek specialized treatment outside the UT,” officials said.
Beyond patient care, AIIMS Jammu has also emerged as a centre of excellence for medical education and research, contributing to capacity building and the advancement of medical knowledge in the region.
They said 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 will play a transformative role in strengthening advanced healthcare services in the Valley, particularly in super-specialties such as oncology, cardiology and neurology.”
The two AIIMS institutions represent a long-term investment in equitable, high-quality healthcare for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Another major milestone in the healthcare journey of the UT has been the rapid expansion of Government Medical Colleges, which has significantly strengthened both district-level healthcare delivery and medical education.
From just four medical colleges a few years ago, Jammu & Kashmir now has twelve medical colleges, including newly established institutions in underserved districts.
This expansion also includes AYUSH institutions such as the Govt. Ayurvedic College, Govt. Unani College at Ganderbal, and Govt. Homeopathic College at Kathua, thereby strengthening traditional systems of medicine and offering diverse, affordable healthcare options to the public.
Medical colleges established in districts such as Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur and Rajouri have emerged as anchors of district-level healthcare.
These institutions have improved access to specialist doctors, diagnostics and emergency services while simultaneously functioning as teaching hospitals, thereby substantially enhancing local healthcare capacity.
The expansion of healthcare infrastructure has been complemented by a historic increase in medical education capacity, ensuring long-term sustainability of healthcare services in the UT.
MBBS seats have increased from 500 to 1,725, an addition of over 1,200 seats, addressing the long-standing shortage of doctors. Postgraduate and super-specialty seats have risen from 513 to 802, strengthening specialist availability across disciplines. DNB seats have witnessed an exponential increase from 20 to 438, enabling in-service doctors to receive advanced training within the UT itself.
This enhancement has reduced dependence on institutions outside the UT, improved doctor-to-population ratios and ensured the availability of trained specialists even in remote and border areas.
Recognising the critical role of allied health professionals, Jammu & Kashmir has also seen a major push in nursing, paramedical and pharmacy education.
As per officials, B.Sc. Nursing seats have increased from 685 to over 3,000, while B.Sc. Paramedical seats have jumped from just 78 to nearly 1,900. B-Pharmacy seats have increased from 33 to 373.
In addition, the introduction of M.Sc. Nursing programmes, including those at AIIMS Jammu and other institutions, has strengthened advanced nursing education. This expansion has ensured the availability of trained nurses, technicians and pharmacists, an essential pillar for effective healthcare delivery anywhere.
Several large-scale healthcare infrastructure projects supported by the Government of India are currently at advanced stages of development. These include a 243-bedded modern Labour Block at SMGS Hospital, Jammu, aimed at strengthening maternal and neonatal care, and a 100-bedded Mother & Child Hospital at Lamberi, Rajouri, catering to border and rural populations.
Under PM-ABHIM, 17 Critical Care Blocks comprising 15 blocks of 50 beds each and two blocks of 100 beds each are being established to enhance emergency and critical care services.
A 125-bedded district-level health facility at Budgam is also nearing completion, which will significantly boost healthcare capacity in the district.
These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to decentralize critical healthcare services and ensure timely access to lifesaving care closer to communities.
At the grassroots level, Government of India-supported initiatives have transformed primary healthcare delivery. The number of Health & Wellness Centres has increased from 130 to 3,166, ensuring comprehensive primary healthcare services at the village level.
Jan Aushadhi Kendras have expanded from 47 to 307, improving access to affordable quality medicines, while 24 AMRIT Pharmacies have been established to support patients suffering from chronic and critical illnesses. The 102/108 ambulance fleet has expanded to 489 vehicles, significantly strengthening emergency response, particularly in remote and hilly terrains.
These interventions have brought healthcare closer to the people, reduced out-of-pocket expenditure and strengthened preventive and early diagnostic care.
Specialized healthcare services have been further reinforced with the operationalization of State Cancer Institutes in Jammu and Srinagar, Bone & Joint Hospitals in Jammu and Srinagar, and a fully functional 500-bedded Pediatric Hospital at Srinagar equipped with allied super-specialties.
Additional supporting infrastructure includes a state-of-the-art Drug Testing Laboratory at Kathua and 100-bedded hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari, catering to pilgrims as well as local populations.
The cumulative impact of these reforms is reflected in improved health indicators across the UT. The Infant Mortality Rate has declined from 22 to 14, while the Sex Ratio at Birth has improved from 927 to 976, underscoring significant progress in maternal and child healthcare.
