JAMMU: AIIMS Jammu marked its 1st Institute Day, celebrating a year of achievements in healthcare, research, and medical education. The event was graced by V Srinivas, Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, and Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare, as the chief guest.

V Srinivas visited the AIIMS Jammu campus and commended its state-of-the-art infrastructure, including the Digital Library, Convention Centre with a 1000-seat capacity, Lecture Halls, Next-Generation Sequencing Lab, Radio-Oncology services, Modular OT Complex, and Emergency & Trauma facilities. He lauded the leadership of Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO, for spearheading the Institution's rapid development.

The event was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Prof (Dr) YK Gupta, President, AIIMS Jammu; Prof (Dr) M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS New Delhi; Dr Jitendra Sharma, MD & CEO, Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone Limited (AMTZ); and Members of the Institute Body - Prof (Dr) Yatin Mehta, Chairman, Medanta Institute of Critical Care and Anesthesiology, Gurugram; Prof (Dr) Omar Javed Shah, former Director & Dean, SKIMS Srinagar; Prof (Dr) AK Bisoi, Professor, CTVS, AIIMS New Delhi; Prof (Dr) Anil Gupta, President, AIIMS Bathinda; and Prof (Dr) R Chandrashekhar, former Chief Architect, MoH&FW, GoI.

In his address, V Srinivas recalled his tenure at AIIMS Delhi and praised the ‘Exclusive AIIMS Culture.' He acknowledged Prof Gupta's leadership in transforming AIIMS Jammu into a world-class institution. Prof (Dr) M Srinivas emphasized AIIMS Delhi's continued mentorship to ensure AIIMS Jammu meets the highest standards in medical education, healthcare, and research.

Dr Jitendra Sharma advocated the ‘Make in India' initiative for medical devices, stressing the importance of self-reliance in healthcare technology. Prof YK Gupta highlighted concerns about antibiotic resistance and emphasized AIIMS Jammu's role in research and knowledge growth.

The event concluded with inter-institute competition winners' felicitation and vibrant cultural performances by MBBS and BSc Nursing students, adding a festive touch to the celebrations.