Health Minister Says Nadda Reviewed Project Progress, Directed Officials To Ensure Early Functioning Of 750-Bed Facility

Srinagar, Nov 5: Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo on Thursday announced that 100 MBBS students will soon begin classes at AIIMS Awantipora, while OPD services are also expected to commence shortly.

Speaking to reporters following Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda's visit to the institute, Itoo said that the Union Minister reviewed the progress of the ongoing project and directed officials to expedite its operationalisation.

She said the announcement of 100 MBBS seats was a significant development, recalling that 50 seats had been announced earlier. She expressed hope that academic activities would begin soon.

Itoo said the commencement of OPD services would provide major relief to patients across Kashmir, who often have to travel outside the Valley for specialised medical treatment.

She expressed gratitude to the Union Health Minister for taking steps to ensure that the institution becomes operational at the earliest.

The Minister also said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had visited the project site several times over the past two years, while she had accompanied him on various occasions to review its progress and push for its early completion.