(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday expressed satisfaction over the rapid progress of AIIMS Jammu, stating that the institution is on track to become one of the best among the 23 AIIMS in the country.

“If we look at the 22 other AIIMS in the country, perhaps the best AIIMS will be counted as that of Jammu. Not only do patients from Jammu come here for treatment, but also patients from neighbouring states have begun coming here,” Omar told reporters during his visit to the AIIMS campus in Samba.

He noted that despite challenges in accessibility due to the condition of the highway, the patient inflow has been increasing.“Once the expressway gets completed, the rush of patients will increase,” he added.

The chief minister visited AIIMS Jammu to review its functioning and lauded the significant progress the institution has made in a short period. He was accompanied by Adviser to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani.

Addressing a gathering of AIIMS management, students and medical staff, Omar praised the collective efforts that have turned the institution into a state-of-the-art healthcare and academic facility.

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“The successful establishment and functioning of AIIMS is a testament to the power of will and vision. The dream of the prime minister has truly taken shape here,” he said.“World-class efforts and endeavour seem to have come together to create this exceptional facility.”

He further added,“It is heartening to see AIIMS already serving patients from across the country. The completion of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway will further facilitate access for patients.”

Omar expressed hope that other healthcare institutions in Jammu and Kashmir would follow the example set by AIIMS Jammu and assured full government support for its continued growth and expansion. He also hoped for the timely completion and operationalization of AIIMS Kashmir.

During the event, Omar released the Manual of Disaster Management prepared by AIIMS Jammu, emphasizing the importance of preparedness.“We sincerely hope never to face a situation that requires the use of this manual. Yet, in the interest of preparedness, it is better to have and not need than to need and not have. Such forward-thinking initiatives by institutions like AIIMS are commendable,” he said.

Adviser Nasir Aslam Wani also addressed the gathering, congratulating AIIMS Jammu for its remarkable infrastructure, eco-friendly campus, and emergence as a hub of medical excellence. He particularly appreciated the hospital's patient-friendly registration process and quality of treatment.

AIIMS Executive Director Prof. Shakti Kumar Gupta presented an overview of the institution's growth, stating that the feedback from patients showed that 82 per cent of discharged patients were highly satisfied, while another 17 per cent expressed satisfaction with the services.

He shared the institution's vision to become a global centre for healthcare, research, and education, highlighting several key developments and operational achievements.

Earlier, the chief minister toured various sections of the campus, including diagnostic labs, in-patient wards, testing facilities, and high-tech academic classrooms, taking stock of the infrastructure and ongoing work.

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