Srinagar: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather on Tuesday reviewed proposals for utilisation of Hospital Development Fund (HDF) and Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) funds for the 2026-27 financial year to strengthen healthcare services in three sub-district hospitals in Budgam district.
Chairing a meeting of the Hospital Development Fund Committees of Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Charar-i-Sharief, SDH Pakherpora and SDH Kremchore, the Speaker reviewed proposals for utilisation of the HDF for the three healthcare institutions falling under the Medical Blocks of Charar-i-Sharief and Khansahib.
Officials informed the meeting that the Hospital Development Fund is generated through user charges, including fees collected for pathological tests, X-ray services, hospital registration and prescription tickets, besides other charges. The funds are utilised for payment of wages to HDF employees, procurement of essential medicines and medical equipment, minor repairs and renovation of hospital infrastructure, purchase of sanitary items and other patient-care requirements.
The meeting was informed that all three sub-district hospitals under Medical Block Charar-i-Sharief have been accredited under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS), reflecting compliance with prescribed standards of patient care and healthcare delivery.
Officials also informed the Speaker that SDH Nagam received the Kayakalp Award for cleanliness last year, while SDH Pakherpora has secured the award this year with the top ranking in Jammu and Kashmir. SDH Charar-i-Sharief, they said, has received the Kayakalp Commendation Award for three consecutive years for maintaining standards of cleanliness, hygiene and quality healthcare services.
Rather also reviewed the proposed utilisation of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) Fund for 2026-27 and examined priorities identified for improving healthcare facilities and patient amenities across the hospitals.
He directed the concerned authorities to ensure judicious, transparent and guideline-based utilisation of HDF and RKS funds, with priority given to procurement of essential medicines, modern medical equipment, maintenance of hospital infrastructure, sanitation and other facilities directly benefiting patients.
The Speaker also stressed accountability and efficient financial management, asking hospital authorities to ensure optimum utilisation of available resources, avoid unnecessary expenditure, maintain transparency in execution of works and regularly monitor expenditure to ensure timely implementation of approved projects.
Appreciating the healthcare staff for securing quality certifications and recognition under the NQAS and Kayakalp initiatives, Rather urged them to sustain high standards of cleanliness, patient care and hospital management while continuing to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services.
The meeting was attended by Chief Medical Officer Budgam Dr Gulzar Ahmad, Block Medical Officer Charar-i-Sharief Dr Tasavur Khan, Block Medical Officer Khansahib Dr Arshid Ahmad and members of the Hospital Development Fund Committees.
