JAMMU: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, today chaired a meeting to review progress on works being executed on major ongoing health projects in Jammu and Kashmir at Civil Secretariat here.
The meeting was attended by Secretary of Health and Medical Education (H&ME), Bhupinder Kumar; CEO, ERA, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; MD JKPCC, Director Health Services Kashmir, Principals of all Government Medical Colleges, Chief Engineer R&B Jammu/Kashmir, Director Finance H&ME and other concerned officers both in person and through video conferencing.
During the meeting, Advisor Bhatnagar took stock of progress made in respect of various health projects funded under PMDP, and CSS besides World Bank-funded projects being executed by R&B, JKPCC, and JKERA.
He reviewed the status of various ongoing works including the construction of new hospitals, the upgradation of existing health infrastructure, and the procurement of medical equipment besides supplies for newly established GMCs.
While reviewing the projects being executed by R&B Jammu like GMCs at Kathua, Doda, and Rajouri, Advisor directed the concerned executing agency to complete this work timely. He also asked them to prepare DPR for other allied works which were not part of the original scope of work so that the works can be started immediately on them.
He stressed the need for effective monitoring and supervision to ensure the timely completion of the projects for the delivery of quality healthcare services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Similarly, Advisor Bhatnagar also reviewed progress on ongoing works at the State Cancer Institute, Jammu, Bone, and Joint Hospital Jammu, construction of 100 bedded Mother and Child Care Hospital at Lamberi, Rajouri, SDH, Kishtwar, SDH Bilawar, SDH Sunderbani and others being executed by the R&B Jammu. He directed the executed agency to complete the works on State Cancer Institute timely and asked the Principal GMC Jammu to make it operational owing to its significance.
Advisor also directed the Chief Engineer R&B Jammu to complete the works on SDH Marwah, Kishtwar timely as the area remains cut off during winters.
While reviewing the projects executed by JKPCC like Rehmat-e-Alam Hospital Anantnag, GMCs at Anantnag and Baramulla, and others, Advisor Bhatnagar directed the concerned executing agency to accelerate the pace of ongoing works and remove bottlenecks, if any, ensuring timely completion of these projects. He directed them to complete the works on Rehmat-e-Alam Hospital by the end of August so that the existing Maternity Hospital is shifted to this hospital.
Advisor also reviewed progress on World Bank-aided projects like the construction of 200 bedded Additional Block at Lal Ded Hospital and 120 bedded Bone and Joint Hospital, Srinagar. He directed the concerned executing agency for timely tendering of equipment required at these hospitals as well as procurement of material.
Addressing the officers during the meeting, Advisor Bhatnagar said that the government is committed to providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “We are working towards strengthening the health infrastructure and ensuring the availability of essential medicines and medical equipment in all parts of the region,” added the Advisor.
During the meeting, Director of Coordination, new GMCs, Dr. Yashpal Sharma gave a detailed presentation on the progress and status of these major health projects.
