Jammu: The newly established 243-bedded Maternal and Child Care (MCC) facility at SMGS Hospital has significantly strengthened neonatal and perinatology services in the Jammu region, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo informed the Legislative Assembly on Friday.
Replying to a question by legislator Yudhvir Sethi during Question Hour of the Budget Session 2026, the Minister said the facility has improved newborn care and maternal health services while also reducing waiting time for planned surgeries.
She said SMGS Hospital functions as a tertiary care centre, offering specialised services in gynaecology and obstetrics, paediatrics, ENT and dermatology. The hospital also caters to critically ill patients referred from peripheral health institutions across the Jammu region.
The Minister informed that patients requiring MRI services are currently referred to the Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu, where the facility is available. However, she added that under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Indian Oil Corporation Limited has agreed in principle to provide an MRI scanner, subject to completion of formalities. A detailed project report will be submitted shortly in this regard.
On staffing, the Minister said that against a sanctioned strength of 1,070 posts, 682 are presently filled. To address the shortfall, faculty, doctors and paramedics are being engaged on an academic arrangement basis, along with rationalisation of existing staff.
Regarding infrastructure, she said a proposal for a multi-tier parking facility at SMGS Hospital has been taken up with the Jammu Municipal Corporation and the Jammu Smart City Project and is under active consideration.
Sakeena Itoo said the MCC facility, equipped with advanced machinery, is part of broader efforts to strengthen patient care and reduce Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in the region.
