Urges Union Health Minister to expedite work
Younus Rashid
Pulwama, June 5: Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday visited AIIMS Awantipora along with MLA Tral Rafiq Ahmad Naik and MLA Pulwama Waheed-ur-Rehman Para to understand the progress being made on the project and engage with the concerned agencies on the ground.
“I am very happy to be here today and to see the progress of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) coming up at Awantipora. This visit brought back memories of my late father, Mufti Sahib, as establishing such an institution was one of his dreams,” Mufti told reporters.
Mufti said that although the project faced some delays due to various reasons, the work is now progressing well.
“I have assured the authorities that wherever my support is needed, I will extend it. If required, we will even take up any pending matters with the Union Health Minister to ensure the timely completion of this prestigious institute,” she said.
The former chief minister said Jammu and Kashmir currently faces significant healthcare challenges, particularly with the rising incidence of cancer.
“This institute will not only provide advanced medical treatment but will also play an important role in research. It will create opportunities for the recruitment of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. I believe this institution will become a model healthcare facility for the entire region,” she said.
She said she had requested the authorities that in future recruitment, particularly for non-technical and non-professional positions, preference should be given to people from Awantipora and adjoining areas.
“This project is being established on local land, and as this place develops into a major healthcare hub for Jammu and Kashmir, local communities should benefit from the opportunities it creates,” she said.
Mufti said with the arrival of doctors, students and healthcare workers, Awantipora would witness significant development in the coming years.
She said she was aware of concerns regarding construction restrictions within a 500-metre radius of the project site.
“I have heard that these restrictions may have been imposed temporarily. I will also discuss this matter with the concerned authorities, including the Divisional Commissioner, because people should not face unnecessary hardships,” she said.
Mufti said she was delighted to visit the site as it reminded her of her father’s vision. “Mufti Sahib’s dream of establishing a university has already been realised, and students are benefiting from it. Now this institute is taking shape, and I hope it will be completed within the next one or two years so that the people of Jammu and Kashmir can benefit from its services,” she said.
Meanwhile, PDP said Mufti interacted with officials and executing agencies to gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges affecting the project’s progress.
“She appreciated the dedicated efforts being made towards its early completion and assured her full cooperation in raising and addressing issues that may be hindering the timely realization of this vital healthcare facility,” the party said.