Jammu, January 13: Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a sweeping transformation in its healthcare sector, driven by large-scale infrastructure development, rapid expansion of medical education, and sustained support from the Government of India. Strategic investments by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare over the past several years have significantly strengthened healthcare delivery across the Union Territory, extending quality medical services to urban centres as well as rural, border and remote regions.
The healthcare overhaul has focused on building modern institutions, upgrading district and grassroots facilities, and ensuring that advanced treatment is available closer to people’s homes. Officials say these initiatives have reduced dependence on facilities outside the UT while improving access, affordability and outcomes.
AIIMS Institutions Strengthen Tertiary Care
A key pillar of the transformation is the establishment of two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jammu and Kashmir. AIIMS Jammu is now fully operational, offering advanced tertiary and super-specialty care with state-of-the-art diagnostic, surgical and critical care facilities. The institute has also emerged as a major centre for medical education and research.
AIIMS Kashmir, sanctioned by the Centre and nearing completion, is expected to become operational later this year. Once functional, it is set to significantly enhance super-specialty services in the Valley, particularly in oncology, cardiology and neurology.
Medical Colleges Expand District-Level Healthcare
Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an unprecedented expansion in government medical colleges, increasing from four to twelve institutions in recent years. New colleges established in districts such as Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur and Rajouri have strengthened district-level healthcare while serving as teaching hospitals.
The expansion also includes AYUSH institutions such as the Government Ayurvedic College, Government Unani College at Ganderbal and Government Homeopathic College at Kathua, broadening access to traditional systems of medicine.
Sharp Rise in Medical Education Capacity
Medical education capacity has seen a dramatic boost. MBBS seats have increased from 500 to 1,725, while postgraduate and super-specialty seats have risen from 513 to 802. DNB seats have expanded from 20 to 438, allowing in-service doctors to pursue advanced training within the UT.
Officials say this growth has improved doctor availability, reduced migration for medical education and strengthened specialist services even in remote areas.
Boost to Nursing and Paramedical Training
Recognising the importance of allied health professionals, the UT has expanded nursing, paramedical and pharmacy education. B.Sc Nursing seats have grown from 685 to over 3,000, B.Sc Paramedical seats from 78 to nearly 1,900, and B-Pharmacy seats from 33 to 373. M.Sc Nursing programmes, including those at AIIMS Jammu, have further strengthened advanced nursing education.
Major Infrastructure Projects Underway
Several healthcare infrastructure projects are nearing completion, including a 243-bedded modern labour block at SMGS Hospital in Jammu and a 100-bedded Mother and Child Hospital at Lamberi in Rajouri. Under the PM-ABHIM scheme, 17 critical care blocks are being established to strengthen emergency services, along with a 125-bedded district hospital at Budgam.
Primary Healthcare and Rural Outreach Strengthened
At the grassroots level, Health and Wellness Centres have increased from 130 to 3,166. Jan Aushadhi Kendras have expanded from 47 to 307, while 24 AMRIT pharmacies now provide affordable medicines for chronic and critical illnesses. The ambulance fleet has grown to 489 vehicles, significantly improving emergency response in difficult terrain.
Specialised Hospitals and Improved Health Indicators
Specialised facilities such as State Cancer Institutes in Jammu and Srinagar, Bone and Joint Hospitals, and a 500-bedded Pediatric Hospital in Srinagar have further reinforced healthcare delivery. Supporting infrastructure includes a Drug Testing Laboratory at Kathua and 100-bedded hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari.
These reforms have translated into measurable health gains. The Infant Mortality Rate has declined from 22 to 14, while the Sex Ratio at Birth has improved from 927 to 976.
Officials say the scale and depth of healthcare reforms have positioned Jammu and Kashmir as a rising medical hub, with a robust foundation for equitable, accessible and high-quality healthcare comparable to the best in the country.