AIIMS-Jammu has proposed establishing India’s first Institute of Traumatology and a Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. The institution submitted its detailed proposal to the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday. These new facilities represent a significant advancement for healthcare infrastructure and medical education in the region.
India’s First Traumatology Institute
Executive Director Shakti Kumar Gupta confirmed the proposed Institute of Traumatology would be unique in India, aiming to become a pioneering Centre of Excellence in Trauma Sciences. This initiative highlights the critical need for advanced trauma care. AIIMS-Jammu plans collaboration with premier institutions, including Israel’s Sheba Medical Centre, a globally recognized trauma center, for essential training and technical support.
Jammu and Kashmir faces a high burden of trauma cases. The region is prone to multiple natural hazards, such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, and snowstorms. Additionally, man-made incidents like road accidents, fires, and other emergencies contribute to significant trauma. This new institute will provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary trauma care, covering everything from immediate patient stabilization to long-term rehabilitation. AIIMS-Jammu’s currently functional trauma and emergency department will serve as the foundational phase for this full-fledged institute.
AI Centre for Healthcare
AIIMS-Jammu also plans to create a Global Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. This initiative focuses on leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Key areas of focus include AI-enabled diagnostics, predictive medicine, and advanced clinical decision support systems. Gupta stated that integrating AI will significantly boost treatment speed and accuracy, while simultaneously reducing overall healthcare costs for patients.
New Facilities and Future Plans
AIIMS-Jammu, located in Vijaypur, Samba district, will launch several new services in the coming months. Open-heart surgery is scheduled to begin within the next two to three months . The institute’s governing body has approved the establishment of multiple specialized Centers of Excellence, designed to offer advanced care and skill development. These include:
- Ophthalmology (with dedicated skill development programs)
- Dental Sciences (offering specialized dental care)
- Comprehensive Cancer Care (providing advanced oncology treatments)
- Robotics and Techno-surgery (pioneering minimally invasive surgical techniques)
- Telemedicine and Telecare (expanding access to medical consultations remotely)
- Predictive Medical Technology (using data to forecast health risks)
- Research and International Collaborations (fostering medical innovation)
- Quality and Patient Safety (ensuring high standards of care)
- Simulation and Skill Development (for medical training)
The institute also aims to become completely paperless within the next three months , streamlining administrative processes and enhancing efficiency.
Operational Status and Employment
Currently, AIIMS-Jammu operates 400 beds for patient care. Approval has been granted for an expansion to 750 beds, with further increases planned as new facilities become operational. Recruitment efforts are ongoing to fill staff positions across various departments, addressing specific shortages where they exist.
Executive Director Gupta emphasized the priority given to local residents in employment opportunities. The AIIMS-Jammu workforce includes a notable proportion of professionals from Jammu and Kashmir:
| Category | Total Staff | Local Residents (J&K) | Percentage Local |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty Members | 120 | 70 (approx.) | 58% |
| Senior Residents | 76 | 61 | 80% |
| Nursing Staff | 604 | 312 | 52% |
| Administrative & Other Staff | N/A | N/A | 31% |
Overall, 70 percent of the total workforce comprises women at AIIMS-Jammu, reflecting a commitment to inclusive employment practices.