Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 27: The revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of a G+4 building for the Chest Disease Hospital in Srinagar is currently being prepared, the Jammu and Kashmir government said on Monday. Once finalised, the next course of action will be initiated, it added.
Responding to a question by MLA Sheikh Mohammad Ahsan, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo said the existing Government Chest Diseases Hospital operates in an old heritage building. However, the department prioritises maintaining the required standards of medical treatment and ensures necessary infrastructure is in place within available budget provisions under various schemes, she said.
The minister said that a DPR for the new G+4 building for the Chest Diseases Hospital, prepared by the Public Works (R&B) Department at a cost of Rs 1993.53 lakhs, has been received for administrative approval. However, upon review, the DPR was found incomplete in some aspects, and clarifications have been sought, she said, adding that the revised DPR is awaited, and further action will be taken once it is received.
Regarding the establishment of new medical blocks, Itoo said that proposals for Krailgund and Qalamabad in Langate Constituency are under examination, considering norms, resource availability, and infrastructural feasibility.
While public demand is important, the creation of new health facilities requires a thorough assessment of demographic needs, existing coverage, administrative viability, and budgetary provisions, the Health Minister said. She said that no final decision has been made yet, but the matter remains under active consideration, with future steps to be guided by technical evaluations, interdepartmental consultations, and approvals.
Responding to a question by MLA Salman Sagar, Itoo informed that ambulance services are currently not available at NTPHC Zakoora and NTPHC Khimber.
Recognising the importance of emergency medical transport, the minister said the government has already projected the need for one ambulance each for these centres under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK). Once approved, this will enhance emergency response and patient referral services, she said.
Meanwhile, two ambulances allocated to PHC Zadibal are being temporarily deployed to NTPHC Zakoora and NTPHC Khimber as needed, ensuring patients are transported during emergencies, the government said.
One ambulance is stationed at NTPHC Faqir Gujri to serve the nearby areas, providing timely medical evacuation, the minister said.
“A Critical Care Ambulance (108) is also stationed at Darbagh Harwan under the Zadibal area, catering to the entire Block Hazratbal and Zone Harwan, including Harwan New Theed, Faqir Gujri, and Mulnar, ensuring prompt medical assistance during critical emergencies,” she added.
