JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a historic transformation in the healthcare sector, driven by large-scale infrastructure development, rapid expansion in medical education and sustained support from the Government of India. Strategic investments by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) have reshaped healthcare delivery across the Union Territory, ensuring improved access not only in cities but also in remote, border and hilly regions.
Flagship institutions redefining tertiary care
A major milestone has been the establishment of two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the UT.
AIIMS Jammu, now fully operational, is delivering world-class tertiary and super-specialty care and has significantly reduced referrals outside the UT. AIIMS Kashmir, sanctioned and nearing completion, is expected to be operational by the end of the year, further strengthening advanced care in cardiology, oncology and neurology.
Unprecedented expansion of medical colleges
The number of medical colleges has risen from four to twelve, including new institutions in underserved districts such as Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur and Rajouri. AYUSH colleges in Ayurvedic, Unani and Homeopathy streams have also expanded affordable traditional healthcare options.
Major rise in MBBS and specialised seats
MBBS seats have increased from 500 to 1,725, while PG and super-specialty seats have grown from 513 to 802. DNB seats have jumped from 20 to 438, improving specialist availability and training opportunities within J&K.
Strengthening nursing and paramedical education
Seats in B.Sc Nursing have increased from 685 to over 3,000, paramedical seats from 78 to nearly 1,900, and B-Pharmacy seats from 33 to 373, creating a strong cadre of allied health professionals.
Critical infrastructure projects underway
Key projects include a 243-bed Labour Block at SMGS Hospital, Jammu, a 100-bed Mother & Child Hospital at Lamberi, Rajouri, and 17 Critical Care Blocks under PM-ABHIM to boost emergency and intensive care capacity across districts.
Primary healthcare reaches village level
Health & Wellness Centres have expanded from 130 to 3,166, Jan Aushadhi Kendras from 47 to 307, while the 102/108 ambulance fleet has grown to 489 vehicles, improving emergency response across difficult terrain.
Specialised hospitals operational
State Cancer Institutes in Jammu and Srinagar, Bone & Joint Hospitals, and a 500-bed Pediatric Hospital in Srinagar have strengthened specialised services. Supporting facilities such as the Drug Testing Laboratory at Kathua and hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari are also functional.
Visible improvement in health indicators
Infant Mortality Rate has improved from 22 to 14, and Sex Ratio at Birth from 927 to 976, reflecting gains in maternal and child healthcare.
Conclusion
With comprehensive expansion of infrastructure, medical education and primary health outreach, Jammu & Kashmir is rapidly emerging as a major medical hub. Backed by strong central support, the UT is moving toward an accessible, affordable and resilient healthcare system comparable with the best in the country.
