Health minister inspects construction site of GMC Handwara

Srinagar, Oct 31: Minister of Health, Education and Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo on Thursday visited the construction site of Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara where he took detailed appraisal of the progress on its construction.
She was informed that the under-construction project costs Rs. 325 crore and spans 251 kanals of land. Out of 17 buildings planned for GMC, work is progressing on 11 structures, including a 200-bed hospital within the DH Handwara premises. An expenditure of Rs. 30 crore has been made to date.
Speaking to reporters at GMC Handwara, the minister stated she wanted to review the construction progress to facilitate decision-making and ensure continued development.
“We are committed to completing the medical college to enhance infrastructure and improve patient care facilities in rural areas,” she said.
She announced that the government will soon advertise positions, emphasizing the need for new roles in the Health Department due to existing vacancies.
“We cannot expect quality treatment for patients unless we can provide enough doctors,” she said. “We have taken steps in this direction, and we will continue to do so. Wherever there is a need for more manpower, we will address it,” the minister said.
Regarding the issue of building of Handwara hospital, Sakina said the matter is sub-judice adding that she will look into the matter and see what needs to be done.
About the lack of dialysis facilities at GMC Handwara, she said that the department would soon start dialysis facilities there so that people are not compelled to visit Srinagar or other places.
When asked about the lack of an MRI machine at the hospital, she said the government will also install an MRI machine saying that the issue was under consideration.
The Health Minister also visited Sub District Hospital Kupwara to take stock of the healthcare facilities being provided to the patients and inspected its various sections.
The Minister interacted with doctors, medical staff and directed them to work with dedication and ensure all patients especially from far-flung areas are provided better health care facilities.
She said that accommodation, infrastructure and other facilities at SDH Kupwara will be upgraded on priority basis, as this hospital caters to far-off areas bearing huge patient flow.
The Minster said the hospital is providing all health facilities with satisfaction. She said there are lacunas that need to be worked on priority. “There is a shortage of specialist doctors and we are looking into all the issues,” she said. She said there is a shortage of space and she has discussed the matter with the Chief Medical Officer.
Regarding the public demand for construction of a maternity and child hospital, the Health Minister said they will check the feasibility and they will try to take the issue with concerned authorities.