CHC Sumbal not feasible for upgradation to SDH as per IPHS norms

Srinagar, March 11: The Health and Medical Education Department has informed the Jammu and Kashmir Government that the Community Health Centre (CHC) Sumbal’s upgradation to a sub-district hospital is not feasible as per the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS)-2022 norms.
The information was provided by the Minister of Health and Medical Education in the Legislative Assembly in response to an un-starred question raised by MLA, Hilal Akbar Lone on whether CHC Sumbal fulfils the feasibility criteria for its upgradation.
The house was informed that Community Health Centre (CHC) Sumbal is not feasible for its upgradation to Sub-District Hospital as per IPHS 2022 norms for many reasons.
“As per IPHS 2022 guidelines, districts with a population of less than 5 lakh and a functional District Hospital (DH) do not require a Sub-District Hospital (SDH),” the reply said.
It said that district Bandipora, with a population of less than 4 lakh as per 2011 Census and a functional DH Bandipora, is not eligible for SDH. “However, SDH, Davar in Gurez has been sanctioned in the district, being a snowbound area.” Around 14 health facilities are catering to the primary healthcare services.
The reply said CHC Sumbal is well-equipped in terms of manpower, machinery, equipment, infrastructure, dialysis unit, medical, emergency equipment, and two 102/108 ambulances, already serving as a critical healthcare hub in District Bandipora.
The department further informed that higher-level facilities like JVC (SKIMS) Srinagar and District Hospital Bandipora are available at a distance of 21 km and 35 km, respectively.
Recently, a Block Public Health Unit (BPHU) is being developed at CHC Sumbal under Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), for which tenders have been opened, and technical evaluation is under progress. This shall be an important linkage to higher facilities.
The house was informed that moreover, the health department is focusing on consolidating existing health institutions by strengthening manpower, infrastructure, and services in existing healthcare institutions rather than upgradation.
Notably, Jammu & Kashmir has a vast network of around 40,00 health facilities and is among the top regions in health institution density when compared to large States/UTs with a population of 1 crore or above.