Mudasir Ahmad
Srinagar, Oct 4: Jammu and Kashmir is set to witness significant development in the health sector, with over 500 projects currently under execution in the Union Territory.
Official details accessed by the news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) reveal that there are over 500 health care projects under execution in J&K. These projects aim to strengthen the healthcare system across Jammu and Kashmir.
“These projects will provide a substantial boost to the development of the healthcare sector,” a senior official said.
The official said that the ongoing projects include the construction of new buildings in various hospitals and healthcare centers.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has consistently emphasized the importance of the healthcare sector in his government’s agenda, with strong support from the Central government.
Additionally, the J&K government has ordered the transfer of 468 kanals of land for the establishment of medical cities in both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions.
“The medical cities will include medical colleges, hospitals, super-specialty centers of excellence, nursing, pharmaceuticals, hospital management, dental colleges, Ayurvedic colleges and hospitals, medical education hubs, AYUSH centers, research centers, as well as residential areas, staff quarters, and guest houses,” said a senior official.
In 2019, the then State Administrative Council (SAC), under the chairmanship of former Governor Satya Pal Malik, approved the “policy document” for setting up medical cities in Kashmir and Jammu, along with the identification and transfer of land by the Revenue Department for this purpose.
To enhance healthcare accessibility, over 230 hospitals have been affiliated with the PM-JAY network, offering a wide range of medical services to beneficiaries throughout the Union Territory, ensuring convenient access to healthcare services.
The official added that Jammu and Kashmir is the only Union Territory in the country to provide free universal health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family since its implementation in December 2020.
This significant financial coverage ensures that families can avail themselves of medical treatment without the burden of exorbitant healthcare expenses. The scheme’s financial security has empowered families to seek timely medical attention, leading to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.
