JAMMU, January 13, 2026:- Jammu & Kashmir is undergoing a historic transformation in its medical landscape, evolving into a premier healthcare destination through a massive expansion of infrastructure and education.
Supported by the Government of India and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), the Union Territory has successfully shifted from a localized system to a robust, multi-tier healthcare ecosystem.
This overhaul is anchored by the establishment of two AIIMS institutions, 12 Government Medical Colleges, and a network of 3,166 Health & Wellness Centres, ensuring that high-quality medical services reach from urban centers to the most remote border villages.
Redefining Tertiary Care and Medical EducationThe cornerstone of this evolution is the operationalization of AIIMS Jammu and the nearing completion of AIIMS Kashmir, which together provide world-class super-specialty care in oncology, cardiology, and neurology.
This expansion is matched by a monumental surge in medical seats to ensure long-term sustainability. MBBS seats have seen a staggering increase from 500 to 1,725, while postgraduate and super-specialty slots have grown significantly.
Furthermore, the UT has prioritized allied health services, with B.Sc. Nursing seats jumping from 685 to over 3,000, creating a massive pool of trained professionals to support the growing hospital network.
Strengthening Grassroots and Critical CareAt the primary level, the transition from 130 to over 3,100 Health & Wellness Centres has decentralized care, bringing preventive services to the doorsteps of rural residents.
To bolster emergency response, 17 new Critical Care Blocks are being established under the PM-ABHIM scheme, alongside an expanded fleet of 489 ambulances. Specialized facilities, including State Cancer Institutes and dedicated Pediatric and Bone & Joint hospitals in both Jammu and Srinagar, further ensure that residents no longer need to travel outside the UT for complex treatments.
Visible Impact on Health IndicatorsThe success of these strategic investments is reflected in J&K’s rapidly improving health metrics. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has dropped sharply from 22 to 14, and the Sex Ratio at Birth has seen a healthy rise from 927 to 976.
By integrating traditional AYUSH colleges with modern medical facilities and expanding affordable medicine access through 307 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, Jammu & Kashmir has laid a resilient foundation for an equitable, self-reliant healthcare system that stands as a model for the rest of the country.
