JAMMU: In a moment of immense pride for AIIMS Jammu and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu, has been conferred with the prestigious “Healthcare Personality of the Year Award 2025” by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) — one of India’s highest recognitions in the healthcare sector.
The honour was presented during the 17th edition of the FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards 2025, held on October 8, 2025, in New Delhi. Themed “Inspire. Change. Together.”, the event celebrated visionary leaders and institutions driving transformation and innovation in India’s healthcare ecosystem.
The ceremony was graced by Shri Rajiv Gauba, Member, NITI Aayog and former Cabinet Secretary, Government of India, as the Chief Guest, who lauded the remarkable contributions of healthcare professionals shaping India’s health future.
Prof. Gupta was selected for this national honour through a rigorous, transparent, and merit-based evaluation process conducted by an eminent jury chaired by Mr. C. K. Mishra, Former Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, and co-chaired by Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee and Founder & Chairman, Mahajan Imaging & Labs.
The award stands as a testament to Prof. Gupta’s visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to advancing India’s healthcare delivery systems.
Hailing from Ari village (LOC), Poonch, J&K, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta is an alumnus of GMC Jammu (MBBS) and AIIMS New Delhi (MHA). Beginning his career as an Assistant Surgeon in J&K Health Services, he went on to join AIIMS New Delhi as faculty, where he later headed the Department of Hospital Administration.
A distinguished academic and administrator, he has mentored over 45 postgraduate and PhD scholars, guided 112 research studies, and authored 110+ publications and 20+ book chapters on hospital management and healthcare systems. Under his leadership, the Department of Hospital Administration became the first at AIIMS to receive ISO certification.
His contributions extend globally, having led WHO and national projects on hospital governance, public-private partnerships, and digital health systems. A Fellow of multiple medical academies, Prof. Gupta is also the recipient of several national and international accolades, including:
- State Award for Meritorious Public Service (J&K Government)
- International Partner of the Year Award (Cologne University, Germany)
- Times Healthcare Achievers Award
- Rotary Club Jammu Tawi Lifetime Achievement Award
Under his leadership, AIIMS Jammu has achieved remarkable milestones — completing 43 world-class buildings in just 3.5 years and securing 7th rank in Outlook Magazine’s 2025 Government Medical Universities Ranking, the second-highest after AIIMS New Delhi.
Owing to official commitments, Prof. Gupta could not attend the ceremony in person but conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to FICCI and the distinguished jury for this honour. He dedicated the award to the team of AIIMS Jammu, acknowledging their relentless dedication, teamwork, and service to humanity.
Prof. Gupta remarked that this recognition further reinforces AIIMS Jammu’s mission to emerge as a model of excellence in patient care, research, and medical education, contributing meaningfully to India’s vision of “Health for All.”
Instituted in 2009, the FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards are among the most respected honours in the healthcare sector, recognizing innovation, leadership, and excellence across diverse domains.
This national recognition for Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta marks a proud milestone for AIIMS Jammu, reaffirming its status as a Centre of Excellence and Innovation in Northern India.
