Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, Oct 2: Nearly six years have passed since the government identified land in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district for a 100-bed maternity hospital, yet no progress has been made on the project.
A health official informed that 112 kanals of land was earmarked at Sirnoo, near Pulwama town, to address the increasing health concerns of women in south Kashmir, particularly in Pulwama and Shopian districts. However, the official said that the only visible action taken so far has been the erection of a notice board at the proposed site.
“This has been a longstanding demand of the residents of Pulwama and Shopian for a maternity hospital to reduce referrals to hospitals in Srinagar or MCH Anantnag, but it appears that the project has been abandoned,” officials said.
They said that if the hospital were established, it would alleviate pressure on LD Hospital and provide accessible facilities for the people of Pulwama and Shopian.
Locals expressed frustration over the lack of progress. “We have approached various authorities regarding the maternity hospital, but after over six years, the project remains nonexistent,” said Attaullah, a local.
He said the women face challenges due to the absence of a dedicated maternity hospital in Pulwama and Shopian. “Such facilities should be available in every district,” he said.
Attaullah said the previous government had proposed a site in Chandgam, which is far from the town; however, following persistent protests, the current location was chosen.
Residents said the establishment of this facility would save both time and money, as they currently have to transport patients to Srinagar or private clinics for maternity care. “We urge the higher authorities to expedite the process and initiate construction so that locals can breathe a sigh of relief,” they said.
Three years ago, the District Development Council of Pulwama also passed a resolution for the construction of the maternity hospital in the area.
Meanwhile, an official from the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) said the proposal has been forwarded to higher authorities but has not yet received administrative approval. “The project is under active consideration by the government and is expected to be approved soon,” the official assured. (KNO)
