Raja Syed Rather
Kangan, May 13: After nearly 20 years of delay, the much-awaited Maternity-cum-Child Care Hospital in Kangan is finally nearing completion, sparking optimism among local residents.
Final construction touches are underway, officials said, adding that the facility is expected to be fully operational in the coming weeks.
Proposed in 2005, the demand for a dedicated maternal and child healthcare center in Kangan has been longstanding. The project, executed by the Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board, has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 27.66 crore.
The initiative received a fresh boost last year following renewed assurances from local MLA Mian Mehar Ali, who committed to seeing the hospital project through to completion.
Locals now credit the legislator and the administration for pushing the project forward after years of stagnation.
“We’ve waited for this facility for so long,” said Yasmeen Bano, a local resident. “Our women had to travel to Soura or Lal Ded Hospital in Srinagar for deliveries and maternity care. This development is a major relief for the community.”
Another resident, Bilal Ahmad Najar expressed gratitude and hope for improved healthcare. “This hospital is not just a building; it’s a lifeline for the people here. We hope it will be staffed with qualified doctors and provide all necessary maternal services.”
The hospital is expected to significantly improve access to maternal and paediatric care for residents of Kangan and adjoining areas, reducing the dependency on distant healthcare facilities
An official said that “We are in the final stages of the hospital construction, and work is progressing steadily. We expect the project to be fully completed by the end of this month.”
