Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief MinisterOmar Abdullahon Monday announced that the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) coming up at Awantipora in Pulwama district is expected to be fully functional by the end of next year. The outpatient department(OPD) is likely to begin operations by March-April, while the inpatient department (IPD) is expected to be operational by November- December. Abdullah, who visited theAIIMSsite along with health and education minister Sakina Ittoo, said after initial delays in execution of the project, the pace of work has picked up, and the institute is expected to be functional by November next year. According to the PTI report, the chief minister told reporters, "The director and the CPWD (officials), who are supervising the works, have assured me that the OPD will be started in March-April next year, which will be followed by starting classes. The IPD (In-Patient Department) is expected to be functional by November- December". Also Read:Joint Security Mock Drill held at AIIMS Awantipora Asked about the delay in the project, Abdullah said the location for the hospital was identified after taking into account various factors, including the Army's concerns. "It was not checked whether the site is fit for a hospital. Then there were concerns from the Army about the project. So the detailed project report had to be prepared afresh, and those (Army) concerns were addressed. One year was lost in that. "However, now the project work has picked up pace and it will be completed soon," Abdullah added, reports PTI. had earlier reported that a joint mock drill aimed at bolstering security preparedness was conducted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora. The joint drill was conducted by the Jammu Kashmir Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Army at AIIMS Awantipora. During this exercise, the participating forces rehearsed counter-insurgency drills, rescue operations and evacuation protocols. Also Read:Dr Sachidananda Mohanty takes charge as new executive director of AIIMS Awantipora