OPD services in AIIMS Jammu to begin next week: CEO Dr Shakti Gupta

Jammu, July 27: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jammu Executive Director and CEO, Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Saturday announced that Out Patient Department (OPD) services would begin next week.

He stated this while addressing a press conference at Convention Centre of AIIMS in Vijaypur of Samba district of Jammu region.

“OPD services on trial basis (dry-run) have already started and we are seeing 200-300 patients every day and we’re getting their feed-back also. But formally, we will put it open for patients next week. Exact day cannot be specified yet it will be fully operational next week. We are currently focused on detailing appointment procedures, available radio-diagnostic services and operational aspect of the 24X7 diagnostic lab, equipped with most advanced 3-Tesla MRI, 128 sliced CT, and digital X-ray services, as well as the 24x7 Diagnostic Lab, all designed to enhance convenience and efficiency for the community, ensuring timely and accurate diagnostics and treatment,” he stated, while responding to queries about exact time frame of launch of OPD services.

Prof Gupta also outlined future plans for the expansion of services. “While the initial phase will concentrate on OPD care, subsequent phases will introduce a wider range of services, including In-Patient Department (IPD) care, elective surgeries, and various other medical specialties. This phased approach is strategically planned to ensure a smooth and gradual rollout of additional services, addressing the evolving healthcare needs of not only the people of J&K, but also for that of Leh, and other neighbouring states like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Significant aspect is that we’re expecting a footfall of 2000-3000 patients every day, once OPD services start,” he added.

Dr Gupta informed that within next three months, Emergency would also become operational.

According to him, the institute will be equipped with 750 beds, including 193 ICU beds, 20 ultra-modern OTs and features 50 departments with nearly 20 super-specialties.

“It will offer unparalleled healthcare with state-of-the-art facilities and technology, supported by a dedicated healthcare team. Its outreach through telemedicine and technological innovations extends care to even the most remote communities,” he said.

Regarding faculty, the Executive Director said that at AIIMS Jammu, a substantial portion of the workforce hailed from the local region of Jammu & Kashmir, constituting 58 percent of the total staff, while those from other regions make up 42 percent. In terms of employment types, outsourced staff predominantly comprise local residents at 99 percent, with only 1 percent from outside regions.

“Among senior residents, 92 percent are from Jammu & Kashmir, contrasted with 8 percent from other areas. Faculty members also show a significant local presence, with 59 percent from Jammu & Kashmir and 41percent from other regions. Gender representation across key roles is diverse: women hold 49 percent of faculty positions, 62 percent of senior resident roles and 80 percent of nursing staff positions. Overall, women represent 45 percent of the workforce, while men account for 55 percent,” he informed.

Responding to queries about security concerns given the sensitive location of the institute, he stated that over 300 security guards appointed were ex-servicemen (with army background). “This step was taken following the advice of the Union Home Ministry,” he said.

Prof Gupta shared that on the academic front, AIIMS Jammu, permitted an annual intake of 100 MBBS students and 60 B.Sc. Nursing students. “The MBBS intake has grown from 50 (in 2020 batch, 61 (2021 and 2022), 62 (in 2023) to a proposed 100 for 2024, with B.Sc. Nursing consistently admits 60 students annually. Additionally, AIIMS Jammu currently offers 45 Post Graduate seats across Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, with Super Specialization courses (DM/MCh) expected to commence in January 2025,” CEO, AIIMS Jammu informed.

With regard to the general issue of most advanced equipment becoming dysfunctional after developing a technical snag, he assured that proper care was taken on that account in the contracts made with the vendors.

Following the press conference, media persons were guided through various facilities within the Academic Block, including the Poison Information Centre, Central Digital Library, Lecture Halls, Cafeteria, and the College of Nursing.

A tour of the world-class Convention Centre was followed by a visit to the Outpatient Department (OPD), where they observed the registration counters, Patient Care Managers, PC Coordinators and the innovative “Indoor Navigation System” designed to assist patients in locating their departments - a first of its kind for AIIMS institutions. The media persons also visited diagnostic facilities, including 3-Tesla MRI, 128 sliced CT, and digital X-ray services, as well as the 24x7 Diagnostic Lab.

The media tour also included a visit to the Ayush Block, which serves as a screening facility for walk-in patients, the Emergency Services, ICU, Operating Theatres.