Jammu, Dec 29:
In a landmark achievement for specialized healthcare in the Union Territory, the Department of Pediatric Surgery at AIIMS Jammu has successfully performed over 250 complex surgeries in just over a year. This milestone, coupled with the establishment of the region’s first state-of-the-art Pediatric Urodynamic Study (UDS) Laboratory, signals a new era for child healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir.
Under the leadership of Executive Director and CEO, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta, AIIMS Jammu has rapidly transformed into a center of clinical excellence. Dr. Gupta’s vision has been to provide tertiary-level healthcare locally, saving families from the emotional and financial burden of traveling to distant cities for life-saving pediatric procedures.
“Our Pediatric Surgery Department represents AIIMS Jammu’s vision of excellence with empathy,” said Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta. “Cutting-edge technology combined with advanced training ensures world-class care right here in the region.”
Specialized Care for Complex Conditions
The department, led by Dr. Vijay Kumar Kundal (Additional Professor & HOD), has handled a vast array of intricate cases. Supported by Dr. Lucky Gupta (Assistant Professor) and the first batch of M.Ch. residents, the team has successfully managed: Bladder exstrophy repairs and ureteric reimplantations, Critical surgeries for newborns, VP shunt placements for neurosurgery and major gastrointestinal operations and Hypospadias corrections, hernia repairs, and orchidopexies.
A significant highlight is the newly established UDS Laboratory, the first of its kind in the Jammu region.
This lab is a game-changer for diagnosing Neurogenic bladder dysfunction and other urinary disorders. By measuring bladder pressure and function accurately, doctors can now intervene early to safeguard a child’s kidney health, providing evidence-based care that was previously unavailable in the local sector.
Beyond the operating theater, AIIMS Jammu is focusing on holistic recovery and education:
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Independent Pediatric Ward: In June 2025, the department became the first superspeciality unit at AIIMS Jammu to launch an independent 10-bedded ward to enhance patient comfort.
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Outpatient Success: Over 2,800 children have already benefited from OPD consultations and follow-up care.
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Academic Leadership: As the only center in the region for M.Ch. Pediatric Surgery training, AIIMS Jammu is also shaping the next generation of specialized surgeons.
The department’s roadmap includes expanding into minimally invasive (laparoscopic) pediatric surgery and fostering greater academic collaborations. For the families of Jammu and Kashmir, these advancements mean that “world-class treatment close to home” is no longer just a promise, but a reality.
