Srinagar, Nov. 10 -- A hospital does not begin serving people when its walls are completed. It begins serving them when doctors report for duty, equipment starts functioning, wards open and patients receive care. The latest review of AIIMS Awantipora has fixed fresh timelines for that transition. The challenge now is not construction, but conversion of a long-running project into a working institution.

The latest assessment suggests that the project has moved into its final phase. Major buildings are in place, procurement of equipment is underway, and recruitment plans are being accelerated. This marks a shift in focus. The discussion is no longer centred on bricks and mortar. It is now about preparedness, coordination and delivery.

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