Healthcare revolution in Jammu & Kashmir: AIIMS, 12 Medical Colleges and massive grassroots expansion redefine medical access

JAMMU: Jammu & Kashmir is undergoing a historic and far-reaching transformation in its healthcare sector, driven by unprecedented infrastructure development, rapid expansion of medical education, and sustained support from the Government of India. Strategic investments made over the past several years by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) have fundamentally reshaped healthcare delivery across the Union Territory, ensuring that quality medical services reach not only urban centres but also rural, border and geographically challenging areas.

Large-scale healthcare infrastructure projects, coupled with systematic upgradation of services at the grassroots level, have played a decisive role in redefining the healthcare landscape of Jammu & Kashmir. These initiatives have significantly improved the quality, availability and accessibility of medical services, bringing advanced healthcare closer to the doorsteps of people living in far-flung and remote regions.

FLAGSHIP INSTITUTIONS REDEFINING TERTIARY HEALTHCARE:  A major pillar of this transformation is the establishment of two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jammu & Kashmir, elevating the UT’s healthcare ecosystem to national and global standards.

AIIMS Jammu, now fully operational, is delivering world-class tertiary and super-specialty healthcare services. Equipped with advanced diagnostic, surgical and critical care facilities, it has sharply reduced the need for patients to seek specialized treatment outside the UT. Simultaneously, AIIMS Jammu has emerged as a centre of excellence for medical education and research, strengthening capacity building and innovation in the region.

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 significantly boost advanced healthcare services in the Valley, particularly in super-specialties such as oncology, cardiology and neurology. Together, the two AIIMS institutions represent a long-term commitment to equitable, high-quality healthcare for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

UNPRECEDENTED EXPANSION OF MEDICAL COLLEGES:  Another landmark achievement has been the rapid expansion of Government Medical Colleges across the UT. From just four medical colleges a few years ago, Jammu & Kashmir now has twelve medical colleges, including new institutions in previously underserved districts.

This expansion also includes AYUSH institutions such as the Government Ayurvedic College, Government Unani College at Ganderbal, and Government Homeopathic College at Kathua, strengthening traditional systems of medicine and providing diverse, affordable healthcare options.

Medical colleges in districts like Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur and Rajouri have become hubs of district-level healthcare. They have enhanced access to specialist doctors, diagnostics and emergency services, while also functioning as teaching hospitals that significantly boost local healthcare capacity.

MASSIVE INCREASE IN MEDICAL EDUCATION SEATS: The expansion of infrastructure has been matched by a historic rise in medical education capacity. MBBS seats have increased from 500 to 1,725, addressing the long-standing shortage of doctors in the UT. Postgraduate and super-specialty seats have risen from 513 to 802, while DNB seats have seen an exponential jump from 20 to 438.

This expansion has reduced dependence on institutions outside Jammu & Kashmir, improved doctor-to-population ratios, and ensured the availability of trained specialists even in remote and border areas.

STRENGTHENING NURSING, PARAMEDICAL AND PHARMACY EDUCATION: Recognising the crucial role of allied health professionals, the UT has witnessed a major push in nursing, paramedical and pharmacy education. B.Sc. Nursing seats have increased from 685 to over 3,000, B.Sc. Paramedical seats from 78 to nearly 1,900, and B-Pharmacy seats from 33 to 373.

The introduction of M.Sc. Nursing programmes, including at AIIMS Jammu and other institutions, has further strengthened advanced nursing education, ensuring a steady supply of trained nurses, technicians and pharmacists—an essential backbone of effective healthcare delivery.

MAJOR HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS UNDERWAY: Several large-scale healthcare projects supported by the Government of India are at advanced stages of completion. These include a 243-bedded modern Labour Block at SMGS Hospital, Jammu, aimed at improving maternal and neonatal care, and a 100-bedded Mother & Child Hospital at Lamberi in Rajouri, catering to rural and border populations.

Under PM-ABHIM, 17 Critical Care Blocks—15 of 50 beds each and two of 100 beds each—are being established to strengthen emergency and critical care services. A 125-bedded district hospital at Budgam is also nearing completion, significantly boosting district-level healthcare capacity.

STRENGTHENING PRIMARY HEALTHCARE AND RURAL OUTREACH: At the grassroots level, healthcare delivery has been transformed through Government of India-backed initiatives. Health & Wellness Centres have increased dramatically from 130 to 3,166, ensuring comprehensive primary healthcare at the village level.

Jan Aushadhi Kendras have expanded from 47 to 307, improving access to affordable medicines, while 24 AMRIT Pharmacies now support patients suffering from chronic and critical illnesses. The 102/108 ambulance fleet has grown to 489 vehicles, greatly strengthening emergency response, especially in hilly and remote terrain.

SPECIALIZED HOSPITALS AND SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE: Specialized healthcare services have been reinforced with the operationalization of State Cancer Institutes in Jammu and Srinagar, Bone & Joint Hospitals in both cities, and a fully functional 500-bedded Pediatric Hospital in Srinagar with allied super-specialties.

Additional infrastructure includes a state-of-the-art Drug Testing Laboratory at Kathua and 100-bedded hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari, serving pilgrims as well as local populations.

VISIBLE IMPACT ON HEALTH INDICATORS: The impact of these reforms is evident in improved health outcomes. The Infant Mortality Rate has declined from 22 to 14, while the Sex Ratio at Birth has improved from 927 to 976, reflecting significant progress in maternal and child healthcare.

CONCLUSION:  The sweeping expansion of healthcare infrastructure, medical education and primary health services has positioned Jammu & Kashmir as a model for healthcare transformation in India. With strong Government of India support, these initiatives have bridged long-standing healthcare gaps and laid a robust foundation for a self-reliant, resilient and equitable healthcare system.

The scale and depth of ongoing and completed projects reaffirm the Government of India’s commitment to delivering accessible, affordable and reliable healthcare to the people of Jammu & Kashmir—on a scale unprecedented in the region and comparable to the best in the country.