“AIIMS is a Badge of Honour”: Prof. (Dr.) Daya Nand Sharma Sets Vision for Excellence at AIIMS Jammu

Jammu, January 14:

Prof. (Dr.) Daya Nand Sharma, the newly appointed Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Jammu and AIIMS Rewari, delivered a powerful maiden address to the faculty today, emphasizing that a position at AIIMS is not just a job, but a “badge of honour” and a profound responsibility to the nation.

Addressing a packed hall of medical professionals, Dr. Sharma outlined a roadmap focused on three core pillars: world-class medical research, cutting-edge education, and compassionate patient care.

Upholding a Legacy of Trust

Dr. Sharma reminded the faculty that the “AIIMS” brand carries the weight of decades of excellence established by medical stalwarts.

“The name ‘AIIMS’ instils confidence and hope in millions. This trust must be upheld by every faculty member with unwavering commitment and accountability,” Dr. Sharma stated.

He acknowledged the solid foundation laid by the outgoing Director, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, noting that the campus is now “firmly set” for the next phase of institutional growth. Under Dr. Gupta’s tenure, the institute completed 43 major buildings in record time and successfully launched OPD services across 34 specialty and super-specialty departments.

A Mission-Mode Approach to Research

Stressing that research is the “bedrock” of the AIIMS ecosystem, the Director urged faculty to:

• Intensify Collaborative Efforts: Focus on clinical trials to solve complex, unresolved medical problems.

• Develop Centres of Excellence: Create world-class repositories of knowledge that offer tangible benefits to patients.

• Mission-Mode Execution: Move beyond routine care to establish AIIMS Jammu as a globally respected authority in medical science.

ntegrity and “Exalted” Conduct

The Director called for “single-minded dedication” to build the character of the institution. He reminded the staff that their exalted positions require:

• Upright Character: Maintaining the highest ethical standards in both public and private life.

• Humility and Compassion: Ensuring every patient interaction is defined by kindness and conduct befitting the AIIMS stature.

Prioritizing Faculty Well-being

In a notable shift toward institutional culture, Dr. Sharma highlighted the importance of a healthy work-life balance. He encouraged faculty members to engage in:

1. Social Connections: Nurturing bonds within the campus community.

2. Sports & Physical Activity: Utilizing campus facilities to de-stress.

3. Productivity through Health: Noting that personal well-being is directly linked to professional commitment and better patient outcomes.

As AIIMS Jammu continues its rapid expansion—recently securing the 7th position in national rankings for government medical universities—the address by Dr. Sharma marks a transition from infrastructural development to a focus on academic and clinical “Super-Specialization.”