Emissions from Khrew factories increase pulmonary, cardiac diseases among locals: Govt

Srinagar, Mar 22: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday said that emissions from cement factories in Khrew area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have increased pulmonary and cardiac diseases among locals.
Responding to the query of MLA Justice Hasnain Masoodi, Minister for Health and Medical Education Department Sakeena Itoo said that air pollution has shown an increase due to emissions from cement factories, resulting in pulmonary and cardiac diseases among the local population in Khrew area.
“Relevant interventions are being explored under the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) under NHM to strengthen preventive, diagnostic and treatment services at PHC Khrew. Strengthening of diagnostic facilities, screening for respiratory ailments and establishing an NCD (Non-communicable Disease) clinic is also being considered under NPCCHH,” she said.
Sakeena added that the proposal for upgradation of PHC Khrew has been submitted by the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir. However, at present, the Health and Medical Education Department, J&K is not considering any up-gradations Institutions during of the Health current financial year (2024-2025), due to the austerity measures imposed by the Finance Department, Civil Secretariat, J&K vide Government Order No. 10-F of 2025 dated 11.01.2025 and is rather working on consolidation of existing health institutes at various levels. (Primary. Secondary and Tertiary)..
“Moving forward, any potential upgradations will be assessed as per the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) Norms of 2022, as well as other relevant guidelines issued by the Government from time to time, ensuring that upgradations are carefully planned, adhering to established standards and fiscal guidelines once the austerity measures are revisited,” she added.
“There has been a significant increase in the number of outdoor/Indoor patients in SDH Pampore, PHC Khrew, and Kakapora. To address this, steps are being taken to Improve healthcare facilities, Including infrastructure, medical staff, besides providing necessary medical equipment to enhance patient care and meet the rising demand for healthcare services,” she added.
“SDH Pampore, PHC Khrew and PHC Pampore are functional and well equipped in terms of infrastructure, manpower and Medical equipment,” Sakeena said. (KNO)