Jammu, March 10, 2025 – The healthcare landscape of Jammu & Kashmir is undergoing a transformative shift with the operationalisation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Jammu and the anticipated launch of AIIMS Kashmir by the 2025-26 fiscal year. This milestone, bolstered by a ₹1,750.50 crore allocation for the Health & Medical Sector in the 2025-26 Jammu & Kashmir budget, signals a robust commitment to improving medical infrastructure and accessibility in the Union Territory.
AIIMS Jammu, a long-awaited project under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana , has already begun offering advanced medical services. Reports indicate that the institute performed its first cancer surgeries in February 2025, specialising in Gastrointestinal and Hepatopancreatobiliary procedures. This development has been hailed as a game-changer, reducing the burden on patients who previously traveled to metropolitan hubs like Delhi and Chandigarh for specialised treatment. “The initiation of cancer surgeries at AIIMS Jammu is a beacon of hope for countless families,” said a local healthcare official, emphasising the emotional and financial relief this brings to residents.
Meanwhile, AIIMS Kashmir is on track to become operational by 2025-26, with construction progressing steadily. The facility is expected to further elevate healthcare standards in the region, complementing the operational success of its Jammu counterpart. The Jammu & Kashmir government has prioritised this expansion as part of a broader strategy to strengthen medical infrastructure, which also includes the nearing completion of Government Medical College Udhampur and the establishment of 30-bedded Emergency Departments in all GMCs across the Union Territory.
The 2025-26 budget, presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on March 7, 2025, underscores this healthcare revolution. Alongside the significant financial allocation, the government has introduced the SEHAT App, a digital platform enabling teleconsultation and e-prescriptions. This initiative aims to bridge geographical gaps, ensuring that even remote areas benefit from modern medical advancements.
Local residents have expressed optimism about these developments. “For years, we’ve had to travel far for serious treatments. Now, with AIIMS Jammu operational and AIIMS Kashmir on the horizon, it feels like the government is finally listening,” said Rafiq Ahmed, a Srinagar resident.
The operationalisation of AIIMS Jammu, initially targeted for August 2023 but delayed, reflects years of planning and investment totalling ₹1,661 crore for its first phase, which includes 750 beds. Future phases are set to expand capacity to 1,500 and 2,200 beds, respectively. AIIMS Kashmir, with a target completion date of January 2025 now adjusted to 2025-26, mirrors this ambitious vision.
Health experts view this dual AIIMS rollout as a cornerstone of Jammu & Kashmir’s healthcare future. “These institutes will not only provide cutting-edge care but also train the next generation of medical professionals,” noted Dr. Priya Sharma, a public health analyst based in Jammu.
As the Union Territory strides toward this “new era of healthcare,” the synergy of physical infrastructure, digital innovation, and substantial funding promises to redefine medical access and quality for its people. With AIIMS Jammu already making strides and AIIMS Kashmir on the cusp of realisation, Jammu & Kashmir is poised to emerge as a healthcare hub in northern India by 2026.