Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, June 29

Health Minister Sakeena Itoo on Monday urged the Centre to expedite the completion of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Awantipora and strengthen emergency healthcare infrastructure in border areas, saying the projects were critical to improving healthcare delivery in J&K.

Speaking at the 16th Conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW) at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Itoo outlined Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare priorities and sought greater central support for expanding medical infrastructure, emergency services and human resources.

The conference, chaired by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, brought together health ministers from states and Union Territories, Union Ministers of State for Health and senior officials to deliberate on national health programmes and strategies for strengthening healthcare systems.

During her address, Itoo highlighted the progress of flagship health programmes in Jammu and Kashmir and presented the Union Territory’s roadmap for expanding affordable, equitable and quality healthcare.

She called for the early completion of AIIMS Awantipora, describing the project as a transformative institution that would significantly strengthen tertiary healthcare facilities in Kashmir.

Responding to the demand, Nadda said the Centre had recently released Rs 250 crore for the project and assured that efforts would be made to expedite its completion.

The minister also pressed for the establishment of trauma hospitals at Surankote in Poonch district and Uri in Baramulla district, saying specialised emergency facilities were essential to respond effectively to casualties arising from armed conflict, natural disasters and other emergencies affecting both civilians and security personnel.

She further sought the deployment of bulletproof ambulances in these strategically sensitive areas to improve emergency medical response during hostilities and other high-risk situations.

Highlighting workforce-related concerns, Itoo urged the Centre to enhance the honorarium of National Health Mission employees and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), saying they formed the backbone of the public healthcare system and had not received any increase in remuneration for nearly a decade.

She also sought an increase in postgraduate and MD seats in medical institutions across Jammu and Kashmir to address the growing demand for specialist healthcare professionals.

Nadda asked the Jammu and Kashmir government to submit a formal proposal for expanding postgraduate medical seats and assured that the Union Health Ministry would examine the request.

He also asked the Union Territory administration to forward proposals for upgrading existing trauma hospitals, assuring that such requirements would be considered on priority.

The conference served as a platform for the Centre and states to discuss emerging public health challenges, review ongoing national programmes and strengthen Centre-state coordination in healthcare delivery.