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Massive healthcare push positions J&K as emerging medical hub

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Massive healthcare push positions J&K as emerging medical hub

Jammu, January 13: Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing a historic and far-reaching transformation in its healthcare sector, marked by massive infrastructure development, unprecedented expansion in medical education, and sustained support from the Government of India. Strategic investments made over the past several years by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) have fundamentally reshaped healthcare delivery across the Union Territory, ensuring that quality medical services are accessible not only in urban centres but also in rural, border and geographically challenging areas.

Large-scale healthcare infrastructure projects and systematic upgradation of services at the grassroots level have played a pivotal role in redefining the healthcare landscape of Jammu & Kashmir. These initiatives have not only enhanced the quality of medical services but have also ensured their availability closer to the doorsteps of people residing in far-flung and remote regions of the UT.

Flagship Institutions Redefining Tertiary Healthcare.

A cornerstone of this transformation is the establishment of two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jammu & Kashmir—an achievement that has elevated the UT’s healthcare ecosystem to national and global standards.
AIIMS Jammu, now fully operational, is providing world-class tertiary and super-specialty healthcare services. Equipped with advanced diagnostic, surgical and critical care facilities, the institute has significantly reduced the need for patients to seek specialized treatment outside the UT. Beyond patient care, AIIMS Jammu has also emerged as a centre of excellence for medical education and research, contributing substantially to capacity building and advancement of medical knowledge in the region.

AIIMS Kashmir, sanctioned by the Government of India and nearing completion, is expected to become operational by the end of the year. Once functional, it will play a transformative role in strengthening advanced healthcare services in the Valley, particularly in super-specialties such as oncology, cardiology and neurology. Together, the two AIIMS institutions represent a long-term investment in equitable, high-quality healthcare for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

Unprecedented Expansion of Medical Colleges

Another major milestone in the healthcare journey of the UT has been the rapid expansion of Government Medical Colleges, which has significantly strengthened both district-level healthcare delivery and medical education.

From just four medical colleges a few years ago, Jammu & Kashmir now has twelve medical colleges, including newly established institutions in underserved districts. This expansion also includes AYUSH institutions such as the Government Ayurvedic College, Government Unani College at Ganderbal, and Government Homeopathic College at Kathua, thereby strengthening traditional systems of medicine and offering diverse, affordable healthcare options to the public.
Medical colleges established in districts such as Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur and Rajouri have emerged as anchors of district-level healthcare. These institutions have improved access to specialist doctors, diagnostics and emergency services while simultaneously functioning as teaching hospitals, thereby substantially enhancing local healthcare capacity.

Massive Increase in MBBS, PG and Super-Specialty Seats

The expansion of healthcare infrastructure has been complemented by a historic increase in medical education capacity, ensuring long-term sustainability of healthcare services in the UT.
MBBS seats have increased from 500 to 1,725, an addition of over 1,200 seats, addressing the long-standing shortage of doctors. Postgraduate and super-specialty seats have risen from 513 to 802, strengthening specialist availability across disciplines. DNB seats have witnessed an exponential increase from 20 to 438, enabling in-service doctors to receive advanced training within the UT itself.

This significant capacity enhancement has reduced dependence on institutions outside the UT, improved doctor-to-population ratios and ensured the availability of trained specialists even in remote and border areas.

Strengthening Nursing, Paramedical and Pharmacy Education

Recognising the critical role of allied health professionals, Jammu & Kashmir has also seen a major push in nursing, paramedical and pharmacy education. B.Sc. Nursing seats have increased from 685 to over 3,000, while B.Sc. Paramedical seats have jumped from just 78 to nearly 1,900. B-Pharmacy seats have increased from 33 to 373.
In addition, the introduction of M.Sc. Nursing programmes, including those at AIIMS Jammu and other institutions, has strengthened advanced nursing education. This expansion has ensured the availability of trained nurses, technicians and pharmacists, an essential pillar for effective healthcare delivery anywhere.

Major Healthcare Infrastructure Projects Under Implementation

Several large-scale healthcare infrastructure projects supported by the Government of India are currently at advanced stages of development. These include a 243-bedded modern Labour Block at SMGS Hospital, Jammu, aimed at strengthening maternal and neonatal care, and a 100-bedded Mother & Child Hospital at Lamberi, Rajouri, catering to border and rural populations.
Under PM-ABHIM, 17 Critical Care Blocks comprising 15 blocks of 50 beds each and two blocks of 100 beds eachare being established to enhance emergency and critical care services. A 125-bedded district-level health facility at Budgam is also nearing completion, which will significantly boost healthcare capacity in the district.

These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to decentralize critical healthcare services and ensure timely access to lifesaving care closer to communities.

Strengthening Primary Healthcare and Rural Outreach

At the grassroots level, Government of India-supported initiatives have transformed primary healthcare delivery. The number of Health & Wellness Centres has increased from 130 to 3,166, ensuring comprehensive primary healthcare services at the village level.
Jan Aushadhi Kendras have expanded from 47 to 307, improving access to affordable quality medicines, while 24 AMRIT Pharmacies have been established to support patients suffering from chronic and critical illnesses. The 102/108 ambulance fleet has expanded to 489 vehicles, significantly strengthening emergency response, particularly in remote and hilly terrains.
These interventions have brought healthcare closer to the people, reduced out-of-pocket expenditure and strengthened preventive and early diagnostic care.

Specialized Hospitals and Supporting Infrastructure

Specialized healthcare services have been further reinforced with the operationalization of State Cancer Institutes in Jammu and Srinagar, Bone & Joint Hospitals in Jammu and Srinagar, and a fully functional 500-bedded Pediatric Hospital at Srinagar equipped with allied super-specialties.
Additional supporting infrastructure includes a state-of-the-art Drug Testing Laboratory at Kathua and 100-bedded hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari, catering to pilgrims as well as local populations.

Visible Impact on Health Outcomes

The cumulative impact of these reforms is reflected in improved health indicators across the UT. The Infant Mortality Rate has declined from 22 to 14, while the Sex Ratio at Birth has improved from 927 to 976, underscoring significant progress in maternal and child healthcare.
Conclusion

The comprehensive expansion of healthcare infrastructure, medical education and primary health services has positioned Jammu & Kashmir as a model for healthcare transformation in the country. Backed by strong Government of India support, these initiatives have not only addressed existing healthcare gaps but have also laid a robust foundation for a self-reliant, resilient and equitable healthcare system.

The ongoing and completed healthcare projects reaffirm the Government of India’s commitment to ensuring that the people of Jammu & Kashmir receive accessible, affordable and reliable healthcare services unprecedented before and comparable to the best in the country.

Greater Kashmir

Fresh encounter breaks out in Billawar area of J-K’s Kathua

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Fresh encounter breaks out in Billawar area of J-K’s Kathua

Jammu, Jan 13: A fresh encounter broke out between militants and security forces in the Billawar area of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, officials said.

Sources said the gunfight erupted during a cordon and search operation launched by security forces in the area following specific inputs about militant presence. During the operation, militants opened fire on the forces, triggering an exchange of gunfire.

Security forces immediately retaliated, and additional reinforcements were rushed to the area to strengthen the cordon. The encounter was continuing at the time of filing this report.

Officials said the operation is being carried out in a forested and hilly terrain, and forces are maintaining strict vigil to prevent militants from escaping. [KNT]

Greater Kashmir

Five govt employees sacked over alleged terror links in J&K

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Five govt employees sacked over alleged terror links in J&K

Srinagar, Jan 13: In a strong crackdown on terror networks operating from within the system, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha has ordered the termination of five government employees for their alleged active links with banned terrorist organisations.

Officials said that the dismissed employees include Mohd Ishfaq, a government school teacher; Tariq Ahmad Rah, a laboratory technician; Bashir Ahmad Mir, an assistant lineman; Farooq Ahmad Bhat, a Class-IV employee in the Forest Department; and Mohd Yousf Kumar, a driver in the Health and Medical Education Department.

Mohd Yousf Kumar, a driver currently lodged in Central Jail Srinagar, has been identified as an indexed Over Ground Worker (OGW) of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen with sustained contact with Pakistan-based handler Bashir Ahmad Bhat. Officials said he procured arms, ammunition, and funds for HM on cross-border directions and was intercepted by Ganderbal Police on July 20, 2024. The operation led to the seizure of a pistol, ammunition, a grenade, and ₹5 lakh cash under FIR No. 183/2024 registered under the Arms Act, Explosives Act, and UAPA. Investigations revealed his involvement in a ₹3 lakh arms procurement at SKIMS Soura and misuse of his ambulance-driver position as operational cover.

Farooq Ahmad Bhat, a Forest Department employee, was found to have maintained long-standing links with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and played a key role in the 2005 escape of HM commander Mohammad Amin Baba. Officials said he coordinated logistics, arranged an official vehicle, and personally escorted the commander from Bijbehara to Attari for illegal cross-border movement. Intelligence inputs further revealed his continued role in providing shelter, transport, and support to terrorists, posing a serious insider threat.

Tariq Ahmad Rah, a Lab Technician at SDH Bijbehara, allegedly misused his official position to maintain links with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen through his uncle, commander Mohammad Amin Baba. Investigations confirmed his involvement in facilitating the commander’s escape in 2005 by arranging shelter and logistical support, as well as his continued radicalisation efforts and misuse of official access.

Mohd Ishfaq, a government teacher from Bhaderwah, was found to be in sustained contact with Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Mohd Amin alias Khubaib. Officials said he was involved in a conspiracy to assassinate a police officer in Doda and was linked to arms movement and terror coordination. Arrested in April 2022 and charge-sheeted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, he allegedly used his position to radicalise youth and continued ideological influence even from jail. He is currently lodged at Kot Bhalwal Jail in Jammu.

Bashir Ahmad Mir, an Assistant Lineman from Gurez, has been identified as a long-term OGW of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Officials said he exploited his government position to provide shelter, logistical assistance, and movement guidance to LeT terrorists in the Bandipora–Gurez belt. His involvement culminated in a 2021 encounter in which two terrorists were killed inside his house. Subsequent investigations and intelligence inputs indicated that he continued ideological support and covert facilitation for the outfit even after securing bail.

Greater Kashmir

Surveillance of mosques violates religious freedom, sends ‘dangerous message’: MP Aga Ruhullah

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Surveillance of mosques violates religious freedom, sends ‘dangerous message’: MP Aga Ruhullah

Srinagar, Jan 13: National Conference MP from Srinagar Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday alleged that the surveillance of mosques and religious preachers in Kashmir by police and intelligence agencies amounted to a violation of the Constitution and an infringement on the freedom of religious practice.

Addressing reporters, Ruhullah said the reported collection of details of mosque preachers and increased monitoring of religious spaces was not an isolated administrative measure but part of a broader ideological project.

“This is not a routine law-and-order issue. This is a project of a particular right-wing ideology which wants to control religions that do not conform to the RSS worldview,” he said.

He said the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freely practise and propagate religion without fear. “Surveillance, intimidation and attempts to control religious practice are a clear violation of constitutional rights,” the MP said.

Ruhullah questioned the need for what he described as “extra layers of surveillance”, arguing that the state already possesses extensive personal data of citizens. “You already have Aadhaar, you already have all details. If you single out people associated with a particular religion and impose additional scrutiny, it appears to be an attempt to intimidate them,” he said.

He warned that such monitoring could lead to direct interference in religious affairs. “Tomorrow, mosque preachers may be told what sermons to deliver and what not to deliver. That would mean the functioning of religion itself is being brought under control,” Ruhullah said.

The MP said security agencies including the police, CID, intelligence units and paramilitary forces already have defined surveillance mechanisms, and targeting religious institutions separately sends a “dangerous message”.

Referring briefly to international issues during his remarks, Ruhullah criticised what he called “double standards” by Western powers on democracy and human rights, particularly in the context of Iran and Gaza, saying external interference in internal matters of sovereign nations was unjustified.

He also raised local civic concerns, particularly the long-pending issue of garbage dumping on the outskirts of Srinagar. Ruhullah said dumping waste in the middle of a populated area and near a water body violated human dignity and environmental laws.

“This garbage dump has grown into a mountain over the years. It is against human rights and against the law,” he said, adding that he would seek answers from the elected government and the administration on plans for waste management, relocation of the dumping site and restoration of the affected water body.

Ruhullah said he was willing to engage with authorities and residents to resolve the issue. “If required, I am ready to sit with them to ensure people’s rights are protected,” he added.
There was no immediate response from the administration to the allegations.(KNS).

Greater Kashmir

J&K situation firmly under control, terror recruitment almost non-existent: Army chief

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J&K situation firmly under control, terror recruitment almost non-existent: Army chief

Srinagar, Jan 13: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said that the terrorist recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir is almost non-existent and that local terrorists are now in single digits, indicating a positive change in the Union Territory.

Speaking to reporters during his first press conference of 2026, General Dwivedi said that since May 10 last year, the situation along the Western Front and J&K remains sensitive but firmly under control.

He said that in 2025, 31 terrorists were eliminated, of which 65% were Pakistan origin, including the three perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack who were neutralised in Operation Mahadev.

“Active local terrorists are now in single digits. Terrorist recruitment is almost non-existent, with only 2 in 2025. Clear indicators of positive change in J&K include robust development activity, revival of tourism and peaceful Amarnath Yatra, which saw more than 4 lakh pilgrims exceeding the five-year average. The theme of terrorism to tourism is gradually taking shape,” he said

He also said that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, and a future misadventure will be resolutely responded to. “I must acknowledge the proactive role of all stakeholders at the national level, including CAPFs, intelligence agencies, civic bodies, state administration and other ministries,” he said.

He added that Operation Sindoor was the “best example of tri-service synergy under a clear-cut political directive and full freedom to act or respond”.

He said the army successfully destroyed seven out of the nine targets and that it was ready for a ground offensive—(KNO)

Greater Kashmir

Low visibility disrupts traffic, flights delayed as dense fog envelops Jammu

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Low visibility disrupts traffic, flights delayed as dense fog envelops Jammu

Jammu, Jan 13: Dense fog enveloped parts of Jammu on Tuesday morning, severely affecting normal life and disrupting air and road traffic due to extremely low visibility conditions.

Officials said visibility dropped sharply during the early hours, leading to delays in several flights at the Jammu Airport. Airline sources confirmed that flight operations were impacted as aircraft movements were slowed amid poor visibility.

On city roads, vehicular movement remained sluggish with motorists exercising caution. Commuters were seen using headlights even after sunrise as thick fog reduced visibility to a few metres at several locations. Traffic police advised drivers to maintain safe distances and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improved.

The cold weather combined with fog forced many people, especially daily wage workers and early morning commuters, to light small fires along roadsides and public spaces to keep themselves warm. Scenes of people huddling around makeshift fires were witnessed in several localities.

Weather officials said dense fog conditions are common during winter months in the Jammu region due to high moisture levels and calm winds during night and early morning hours. They added that visibility is expected to improve gradually as the day progresses.

Authorities have urged people to remain cautious while travelling and follow advisories issued by traffic and airport officials until weather conditions stabilise. [KNT]

Greater Kashmir

GPS tracking mandatory for vehicles engaged in mineral extraction in Shopian

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GPS tracking mandatory for vehicles engaged in mineral extraction in Shopian

Shopian, Jan 12: The District Mineral Office, Shopian has issued directions mandating the installation of AIS-140 approved GPS tracking devices on all vehicles and machinery engaged in mineral extraction and transportation within the district.

Officials said the order has been issued in pursuance of directions from the Directorate of Geology and Mining, Jammu and Kashmir and in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2020. The move aims to ensure transparency, effective monitoring and prevention of illegal mining activities in Shopian district.

As per the order, all mineral concessionaires, crusher unit operators, brick kiln holders and vehicle owners operating in the district have been instructed to install GPS devices procured only from vendors empanelled by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

The District Mineral Office has further directed that transportation of minerals will be permitted strictly with a valid e-Challan bearing a QR code generated through the department’s official online portal. Officials said this step is intended to strengthen digital monitoring and prevent unauthorized movement of minerals.

The deadline for installation of GPS tracking devices has been fixed as January 20, 2026.

Authorities have warned that any non-compliance with the directions will invite strict action under the relevant provisions of law. [KNT]

Greater Kashmir

SC delivers split verdict on Section 17A of Prevention of Corruption Act mandating sanction to probe govt servants

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SC delivers split verdict on Section 17A of Prevention of Corruption Act mandating sanction to probe govt servants

New Delhi, Jan 13: The Supreme Court on Tuesday delivered a split verdict on the constitutional validity of a 2018 provision of the anti-graft law which mandates prior sanction before initiating a probe against a government servant in a corruption case.

While Justice BV Nagarathna said Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act is unconstitutional and needs to be struck down, Justice KV Viswanathan held the provision as constitutional while stressing on the need to protect honest officers.

Requirement of prior sanction is contrary to the Prevention of Corruption Act, forecloses inquiry and protects corrupt, Justice Nagarathna said.

Justice Viswanathan said striking down section 17A will be akin to throwing the baby out with the bath water and the “cure will be worse than the disease”.

The case will now be placed before Chief Justice of India Surya Kant for forming a larger bench to hear the matter again for a final decision.

Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, introduced in July 2018, bars any “enquiry or inquiry or investigation” against a public servant for recommendations made in discharge of official duties without prior approval from the competent authority.

The top court’s judgement came on a PIL filed by NGO ‘Centre for Public Interest Litigation’ (CPIL) against the validity of amended section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Greater Kashmir

On Lohri, Delhi and surrounding states wake up to coldest January morning in three years

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On Lohri, Delhi and surrounding states wake up to coldest January morning in three years

New Delhi, Jan 13: As Delhi and its surrounding areas prepare to celebrate Lohri on Tuesday night with outdoor gatherings and bonfires, the national capital continues to reel under an intense cold wave coupled with hazardous air pollution.

The city recorded its coldest January morning in three years, with the minimum temperature hovering around 3 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The IMD reported a minimum temperature of 2.9 degrees Celsius on Monday and issued an orange alert for cold wave conditions across large parts of the city.

Delhi’s primary weather observatory, in south Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 3 degrees Celsius, about 4.4 degrees below normal, PTI reported. The last colder January night was recorded on January 16, 2023, when the mercury dipped to 1.4 degrees Celsius.

Cold wave conditions are not limited to Delhi alone. Large parts of north India, including Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, are also experiencing severe cold. Several districts in Punjab and Haryana recorded near-freezing night temperatures, while dense fog and icy winds continued to disrupt normal life across western Uttar Pradesh.

The IMD has issued cold wave and fog warnings for these neighbouring states as well, cautioning people against prolonged outdoor exposure during night and early morning hours.

Air quality in Delhi remains in the category of “hazardous” with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 300 in most areas on Tuesday. Dense fog enveloped the region, reducing visibility in the morning and causing delays in road, rail and air traffic. Officials said the combined effect of cold wave conditions, calm winds and fog has contributed to a steady rise in pollution levels across the capital and the National Capital Region (NCR).

As Lohri celebrations involve late-night outdoor activities, authorities and health experts have asked people to be careful. Residents have been advised to wear enough warm clothes and avoid staying outside for long hours at night. Extra care is needed for the elderly, children and people with long-term illnesses, as they are more affected by severe cold.

The cold weather has made life even harder for thousands of homeless people in Delhi and the NCR. Although night shelters have been arranged at several places, many people, mostly labour class are still forced to sleep in the open. Some are lighting small fires with collected waste to keep warm, while others are taking shelter under flyovers, near boundary walls, on pavements and around construction sites. Social organisations have warned that staying in extreme cold and inhaling smoke from such fires can cause serious health problems.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that minimum temperatures in the coming days are likely to stay between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius.

In its weather bulletin on Monday, the IMD said night temperatures may return to near-normal levels after January 15. A yellow alert has been issued for Wednesday due to continued cold wave and fog. Daytime temperatures have given only slight relief, with maximum temperatures between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius because of sunshine. However, nights remain very cold.

The IMD said clear skies at night are causing rapid heat loss, leading to a sharp fall in temperatures. Officials said this is the first officially recorded cold wave of the season at Safdarjung, though some areas had experienced similar conditions earlier. As the cold wave continues in north India, authorities have urged people to stay alert and take safety measures during outdoor activities and celebrations.

Greater Kashmir

Death toll from Iran’s protests reaches at least 646

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Death toll from Iran’s protests reaches at least 646

Dubai, Jan 13: The death toll from Iran’s nationwide protests has reached at least 646 people killed, activists said Tuesday, with the number expected to rise further.

The toll comes from the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate throughout multiple years of demonstrations. It relies on a network of activists inside Iran that confirms all reported fatalities.

With communications blocked in Iran, the AP has been unable to independently confirm the group’s toll. Iran’s government has not provided casualty figures for the demonstrations. (AP)

Greater Kashmir

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