Nadda sets March 2027 deadline for AIIMS Awantipora construction; OPD due before December

Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda has told agencies to finish the remaining construction at AIIMS Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir by March 2027, and the hospital's outpatient services are targeted to begin before December 2026.

Nadda reviewed construction, equipment purchases, recruitment and academic preparations at the institute on 5 November. He was told that construction is nearing completion with all major buildings done, and he called the project a priority, commending the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and others for working despite the site's terrain.

Where the buildings stand

Phase-I buildings, including the OPD registration block, OPD block, residential buildings and designated hostels, are complete, with inventory checks and formal handover under way. The academic, administrative, hospital, residential and hostel buildings still to come are being built in phases.

Equipment and staff

Nadda directed HITES and the institute's Executive Director to speed up purchases of medical equipment, OPD instruments, laboratory equipment and furniture, so that everything needed to start OPD services is in place on priority.

• Procurement has been approved for 180 medical equipment items worth ₹59.41 crore; Notices of Award have been issued for 140 of them.
• The ministry has approved engagement of staff for OPD and related services, covering 652 positions including 150 security personnel.
• Nadda asked for faculty recruitment to be fast-tracked, along with non-faculty posts.

The timeline

• Before December 2026: OPD services targeted to begin.
• July 2027: inpatient (IPD) services proposed to start, subject to infrastructure and arrangements being ready.
• June–July 2027: proposed start of MBBS classes for the 2027-28 session.

Nadda also reviewed campus security, transport connectivity, website development and operational partnerships, and asked AIIMS Awantipora, CPWD, HITES and the local administration to coordinate on security and other operational issues. He said timely completion would expand access to tertiary healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir and strengthen medical education in the region.

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Source: official release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (05 NOV 2026 2:06PM by PIB Delhi). Read the full official text: Union Health Minister reviews progress of AIIMS Awantipora; directs expeditious completion of remaining construction works and early operationalisation.