Hospital-cum-medical college to open in Sgr’s Medicity next year

Srinagar, Dec 01: The largest private healthcare initiative in Kashmir is set to begin operations next year, with the opening of first of its kind Kashmir Medical College and Super-Speciality Hospital developed by Milli Trust, Delhi, at Industrial Estate Sempora, Medicity in Srinagar.
The foundation stone of the project was laid in April last year by J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on the outskirts of the city. It is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency and quality of healthcare in the valley, addressing the existing deficit in private medical services.
The LG had then said the Rs 525-crore project will provide students with 150 MBBS seats and the 100 bedded hospital will provide world-class healthcare at affordable rates and provide employment opportunities to 2,000 people.
Under the medicity projects, the J&K Government is planning similar health interventions, especially for medical tourism and enhancing MBBS seats as hundreds of local students get enrolled in medical colleges outside the country every year.
Sinha had then said it is a new era for private investments in J&K and testimony to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s commitment to make the UT a leading investment destination for the manufacturing and service sector.
Tausif Ahmad, Chairperson of the upcoming hospital cum medical institute said they are focused on research which will allow them to explore and implement innovative solutions tailored to the prevalent health challenges faced in the region.
“We believe that by investing in research and education, we can yield significant advancements in healthcare practices that directly benefit our community,” he said.
Tausif said the establishment of this medical college and hospital is a dedication to the wellbeing of every individual in Kashmir adding that it is an investment in health, hope, and the future prosperity of our community.
He said Kashmir has faced significant challenges in developing an effective healthcare system, particularly in rural and remote areas. “Patients often travel long distances to reach the nearest hospital, leading to delays in receiving critical care,” he said.
Tausif said there is scarcity of specialists which is why many medical graduates from the region often seek opportunities outside Kashmir, exacerbating the gap in expert care.
“Kashmir faces unique health challenges, including high rates of respiratory diseases due to pollution and geographical factors, alongside an increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related illnesses. The current healthcare system seems ineffective to address these issues and leads to deteriorating health outcomes for the population,” he said.
He believes that the essential premier facility in the valley will not only educate future doctors but will also attract faculty and resources that can elevate the standards of medical training in the region.
Insha S Qazi, Managing Director said the facility is expected to address the population’s complex healthcare needs by offering advanced treatment options, thereby reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region for specialized care—a practice that often leads to financial strain and delays in treatment.
“We envision a future where families in Kashmir no longer have to seek medical care outside due to a lack of facilities or specialists. By creating a local institution, we aim to empower our community with access to essential health services at their doorsteps,” Qazi said.
“The establishment of a medical college and hospital will create jobs in healthcare and related sectors, stimulating local economic growth. This includes positions not just for doctors, but also for nurses, technicians, administrative staff, and support services,” she said.
Qazi said by fostering a research-oriented environment, the medical college can contribute to advancements in healthcare practices tailored to the needs of the Kashmiri population. “This could lead to innovative solutions for prevalent health issues in the region.”
She said that the unique facility will not only serve as a center for advanced medical treatment but also as a hub for learning and professional development in the healthcare sector.
Qazi explained that this project was a longstanding dream for her and her husband. They had realized that living away from family, especially for a Kashmiri, while pursuing higher education in a rigorous and demanding field like medicine, can be incredibly challenging.
“Every year hundreds of students go out of the valley to pursue MBBS. We are humbled to be able to be the first private medical college of the valley along with a hospital,” she said.