Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir is set for a major upgrade in its public healthcare infrastructure with the Government of India allocating 275 AI-enabled portable handheld X-ray machines, nine MRI (1.5 Tesla) units and four digital mammography units under the Prime Minister’s Fund.
The advanced diagnostic equipment will be installed in selected government health institutions across the Union Territory to improve diagnostic services, strengthen AI-assisted tuberculosis screening, enhance breast cancer detection and ensure early diagnosis of diseases.
The project will be implemented following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Government of India, through its designated agencies, will procure, install and commission the equipment, with supplies expected to begin in the coming months. The Health and Medical Education Department will ensure timely site readiness, deployment of trained manpower and early operationalisation of the facilities.
Officials said the initiative is aimed at strengthening diagnostic infrastructure, reducing patient referrals to tertiary hospitals and improving access to advanced healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas.
The allocation follows sustained efforts by the Health and Medical Education Department to modernise healthcare infrastructure and expand access to quality diagnostic services across the Union Territory.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has been closely monitoring health sector reforms, with a focus on upgrading public health institutions, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare.
Once operational, the new equipment is expected to significantly improve the diagnostic capacity of government hospitals, facilitate early detection and treatment of diseases, and deliver better healthcare outcomes for people across Jammu and Kashmir.
