Jan deadline set for B&J Hospital additional block
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Dec 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that the Government is committed to improve healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
This, the CM said, during the inspections of Bone and Joints Hospital in Barzulla area and Children’s Hospital in Bemina area of Srinagar.
Omar during the inspection reiterated his Government’s commitment to improve healthcare infrastructure, ensuring better facilities for the public and addressing manpower shortages in health institutions across the J&K.
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The CM visited the Bone & Joint Hospital, Barzulla, one of the region’s top Orthopaedic healthcare facilities and during his inspection, he toured various sections and wards, interacting with patients and attendants to understand their concerns.
Accompanied by Minister of Health, Sakeena Itoo, senior faculty members and doctors, Omar engaged with hospital staff to assess the winter arrangements, treatment facilities and the availability of medical professionals and paramedics.
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The CM also inspected the state-of-the-art additional block of the hospital, constructed under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) with funding from the World Bank.
Designed with earthquake-resilient technology, the block will add 160 beds, increasing the hospital’s total capacity from 150 to 310 beds.
During his visit, Omar emphasized the need to expedite the completion of the new block, which is critical for addressing the space crunch caused by a fire incident in 2022 that reduced the hospital’s original capacity of 200 beds.
He directed the executing agencies to ensure its swift operationalization by January 2025 to enhance patient care and to dedicate the facility to public service.
The CM also inspected the 500-bedded Children’s Hospital in Bemina, where he interacted with patients, attendants and hospital staff.
During his visit, attendants from far-flung areas raised concerns about the lack of a Sarai (inn) for their stay.
The CM immediately directed the concerned authorities to construct a Sarai to accommodate attendants and alleviate their difficulties.
The hospital staff highlighted the challenges of expanding super-specialty facilities due to express space constraints. He assured them that the issue would be addressed on priority.
Omar also promised to resolve the shortage of medical staff, including doctors and paramedics, not only at this hospital but across healthcare facilities in J&K.
The CM instructed hospital authorities to ensure the timely availability of medicines and other essential facilities for patients.
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