CM launches ‘Project 13-13’ women’s surgical care initiative at National Hospital Jammu

*Addresses on event of IIT Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated Project 13-13, a new healthcare initiative launched by National Hospital Jammu aimed at providing women’s surgical care at a capped cost of Rs 13,000.
The initiative, led by Dr. Jasbir Kaur and her team, is intended to support women from financially weaker sections of society by making essential surgical treatments more affordable.
The event was also attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo and MLA for Uri Assembly constituency, Sajjad Shafi. Additionally, Mahant Manjeet Singh was also present.
Speaking at the launch event, Chief Minister described the initiative as “a meaningful step in service of the people.”
He noted that while healthcare systems face complex challenges, efforts such as this contribute to easing the burden on ordinary citizens.
“This project stands for the welfare of all,” the Chief Minister said. “Its foundation rests on principles of universal service to humanity, a spirit long championed by many traditions, including the Sikh faith. It’s heartening to see the community step forward once again in times of need, without distinction or expectation, in the service of people,” he added.
The Chief Minister also underscored the importance of compassion in healthcare delivery. “Doctors must prioritise patient care above all else,” he remarked. “Similarly, private hospitals must do their part in ensuring that treatment is not out of reach for the common citizen. Affordability should not be an afterthought, it must be part of the design.”
He acknowledged the ongoing contributions of Government hospitals, which continue to provide essential services across Jammu and Kashmir despite operational and infrastructural challenges. “Our public institutions remain pillars of healthcare delivery, and I hope more such initiatives, whether from public or private sectors, are taken up in the spirit of public service,” he added.
The event marks the beginning of Project 13-13’s implementation at National Hospital Jammu. Though limited in scope to a single institution, the initiative has been widely appreciated for its targeted approach and its potential to inspire similar models of accessible healthcare elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister presided over the valedictory function of Summer School: 2025 at the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu, marking the successful conclusion of a month-long programme that brought together over a thousand students from across the nation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Minister lauded IIT Jammu as a hub of talent and underscored the significance of such initiatives in providing young people, particularly from Jammu and Kashmir, with platforms to grow and realise their potential.
He revealed that the J&K Government is actively exploring collaborative opportunities with IIT Jammu across multiple domains, including water conservation, climate change adaptation, industrial growth and business incubation.
Reflecting on recent challenges, the CM struck an optimistic note, “The unfortunate incident earlier this year is behind us now. Our focus is to hand over a better, more empowered Jammu and Kashmir to this generation. May the future generations carve out opportunities through challenges”.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, who was also present at the function, described IIT Jammu as a landmark institution of the region and stressed the need to enhance and expand sectors such as tourism and hospitality.
Students from diverse backgrounds converged at the campus, including representatives from Delhi, Punjab, Karnataka, Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Manipur and several northeastern and eastern states. The programme offered structured learning modules in cutting-edge technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Full Stack Web Development, Internet of Things (IoT), Data Science and Additive Manufacturing.
The ceremony was attended by senior dignitaries including Director IIT Jammu Dr Manoj Gaur, Board of Governors’ Chairman Sharad Kumar Saraf, Chief Innovation Officer Prof MT Arvind and Dr Navneet, along with faculty and students.
Later, Chief Minister, unveiled the statue of Late Principal Kuldeep Kumar Badyal at Government Gandhi Nagar Boys Higher Secondary School, Jammu. The ceremony paid homage to the educator who was martyred while performing his duties.
He also announced that the school will be renamed in the late principal’s memory, as a mark of enduring respect.
Omar Abdullah then interacted with the martyr’s family, including his children Dr. Ashima Badyal and Ashish Badyal and extended his heartfelt condolences.

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