Kulgam: Health and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Saturday inaugurated the new 50-bed Sub-District Hospital (SDH) at Qaimoh and dedicated the facility to the public, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
MLA Devsar Peerzada Feroze Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Shahzad Alam, health officials and local residents were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Itoo said the government is prioritising the upgradation of healthcare services and is taking measures to strengthen hospitals and health centres through staff recruitment and improvement of clinical and non-clinical facilities. She assured that the newly inaugurated hospital would be upgraded further with additional staff and facilities in a phased manner.
The minister also urged hospital authorities to remain responsive to public needs and ensure efficient delivery of healthcare services.
MLA Devsar welcomed the inauguration of the long-awaited facility, describing it as a major boost to healthcare access in the area.
Built by the R&B Division, Kulgam, at a cost of Rs 19.32 crore, the hospital comprises a ground-plus-three-storey structure with a 50-bed indoor capacity. The facility includes outpatient and inpatient departments, diagnostic laboratories and other patient-care services aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare to residents of Qaimoh and adjoining areas.
Officials said the hospital’s operationalisation would improve access to specialised treatment, emergency care and diagnostic services for the local population.
Later, the minister laid the foundation stones for several development projects, including the permanent restoration of the Kounserbal-Nandimarg road, the Batpora-Chimmer road and a school building at Chimmer in the DH subdivision.
She also held a public outreach programme at Chimmer village, where residents raised issues related to development and public services. Itoo assured the public that their genuine demands would be addressed.
Highlighting the government’s development agenda, the minister said efforts were underway to strengthen infrastructure, education, healthcare and social welfare services across the region. Officials accompanying her also briefed the gathering on various ongoing and proposed development works.