Srinagar, Feb 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stone for 13 crucial projects, including Critical Care Blocks and six food testing vans, for Jammu and Kashmir from Rajkot, Gujarat. Health officials have confirmed the initiation of these projects, which aim to significantly enhance healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The projects for Jammu and Kashmir comprise seven Critical Care Blocks under the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), valued at Rs 207.75 crore, and six similar projects under the Emergency Response & Health System Preparedness Package (ECRP), amounting to Rs 142.5 crore, totalling an investment of Rs 350.25 crore.
These projects are strategically allocated across various districts, including Budgam, Jammu, Kulgam, Baramulla, Rajouri, Kathua, and Srinagar, aiming to bolster critical healthcare services in each region.
Prime Minister Modi had launched the PM-ABHIM on October 25, 2021, with the objective of ensuring accessible and comprehensive healthcare nationwide. The dedication of these projects to hospitals and medical colleges across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir marks a significant step towards realising this vision.
The seven projects were dedicated to seven districts include 100 bedded critical Care Block at District Hospital in Budgam, 100 bedded Critical Care Block at GMC in Jammu, 50 bedded Critical Care Blocks each at District Hospital Kulgam, GMC Baramulla, GMC Rajouri, GMC Kathua and SKIMS Medical College Srinagar.
All the arrangements were put in place at all the sites in J&K as the PM dedicated the projects to hospitals and medical colleges across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Similarly, as per officials, the six other similar projects were inaugurated for six districts in J&K under the Emergency Response & Health System Preparedness Package for the management of critical care services.
These projects include 50 bedded Critical Care Blocks one each at District Hospital Pulwama, DH Kupwara, DH Reasi, DH Poonch, DH Shopian and PHC Sonamargh.
The ECRP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with some Central Sector components. It aims to accelerate health system preparedness for immediate responsiveness for early prevention, detection and management, with a focus on health infrastructure development.
Notably, the Prime Minister also dedicated six Food Testing Vans worth Rs 2.63 crore to cater districts of Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Srinagar Bandipora, Pulwama besides Districts of Samba, Reasi, Ganderbal and Shopian. The Mobile Food Testing Vans would be dedicated under FSSAI under the ambit Food Safety on wheels.
Notably, the Health & Medical Education Department, J&K had made all the arrangements at all the places for laying the foundation stone/inauguration of the health projects.
While talking about the importance of CCBs, Principal GMC Baramulla, Dr Rubi Reshi said the 50 bedded Critical Care Block for the medical college is an important facility which once completed would help to manage critical care patients of entire north Kashmir.
“The facility would manage severe cases like heart attacks, road traffic accidents, trauma cases, injured patients and it will have state of the art infrastructure,” she said.
Dr Ruby said that patients no longer need to be shifted to Srinagar’s tertiary care hospitals and it will further decrease the huge burden on them.
“Now patients will be taken care of on time as many patients used to lose golden hours while moving to Srinagar hospitals. They will be taken care of as early as possible in the CCB and many patients would be saved. It is a very good facility for north Kashmir,” she said.
The Prime Minister’s live speech from Rajkot, Gujarat was telecasted live in the hospitals and medical colleges which have got CCBs and the same was attended by all the officers and officials and concerned staff.
Talking to Rising Kashmir Medical Superintendent, GMC Baramulla, Dr Parvaiz Masoodi said the critical care facilities will be well equipped with all modern facilities and will boost the patient care services.
He expected that the medical college’s Critical Care Block will get the best manpower to handle the critical care patients in the border district that often sees emergencies.
Milestones achieved in healthcare
Critical Care Blocks (CCBs):
Seven CCBs under PM-ABHIM and six under ECRP.
Aimed at bolstering critical healthcare services in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Significant investment totaling Rs 350.25 crore.
Strategically allocated across districts like Budgam, Jammu, Kulgam, Baramulla, Rajouri, Kathua, and Srinagar.
Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to manage severe cases like heart attacks, trauma, and injuries.
Expected to reduce the burden on tertiary care hospitals in Srinagar by providing timely care to patients.
Food Testing Vans:
Six Food Testing Vans worth Rs 2.63 crore.
Catering to districts including Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Srinagar, Bandipora, Pulwama, Samba, Reasi, Ganderbal, and Shopian.
Operated under the Food Safety on Wheels initiative.
Aimed at ensuring food safety and quality standards across different regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Healthcare Infrastructure Development:
PM-ABHIM and ECRP projects aimed at accelerating health system preparedness and responsiveness.
Focus on early prevention, detection, and management of health emergencies.
Dedication of projects to hospitals and medical colleges across the UT signifies a step towards comprehensive healthcare accessibility.
Enhancing patient care services and boosting healthcare access in border districts like Baramulla.
