AIIMS Jammu is set to become the first hospital in India to receive permanent security cover from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), with the move being considered because of the institute’s strategically sensitive location near the India-Pakistan International Border.
Strategic Location Drives Security Decision
The 226.84-acre AIIMS Jammu campus is located in Vijaypur, Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district, along National Highway-44. The medical institute is situated only a few kilometres from the international border, making its security a significant concern for authorities.
CISF Deployment Expected to Be Permanent
According to officials cited in the report, the Centre has planned an armed CISF security cover for the hospital. A security survey and manpower assessment are currently underway to determine the requirements for the deployment. The proposed arrangement is expected to be a permanent CISF duty.
First Such Security Cover for an Indian Hospital
If implemented, AIIMS Jammu will become the first hospital in the country to come under CISF security. The move is notable because the Ministry of Home Affairs has historically been cautious about deploying armed personnel at hospitals, particularly following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which healthcare facilities were targeted.
Security Concerns Around Healthcare Facilities
Several hospitals have sought CISF protection over the years, but such requests were generally not approved after assessments of security threats and the force’s manpower availability. CISF personnel were, however, temporarily deployed at Kolkata’s R G Kar Hospital following a Supreme Court directive in August 2024.
AIIMS Jammu Inaugurated in 2024
The AIIMS Jammu hospital and medical college was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024. Its location near the international border has now emerged as a key factor behind the proposed enhanced security arrangement.
Broader CISF Expansion
The proposed AIIMS Jammu deployment comes alongside other planned CISF assignments. The force is also expected to take up security responsibilities at Kolkata Metro and Donyi Polo Airport in Arunachal Pradesh, subject to the required approvals.