Srinagar: Minister for Health and Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo on Monday reviewed the progress of major infrastructure and development projects being implemented by the Health, Education and Social Welfare departments across Jammu and Kashmir.
At a high-level meeting, the Minister assessed the physical and financial progress of ongoing projects, including Capital Expenditure (Capex) and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) works, utilisation of funds, procurement of equipment and implementation of decisions taken during previous review meetings.
Emphasising timely execution, Itoo directed officers to ensure strict adherence to project timelines, close monitoring of works and accountability at every stage. She said expenditure should correspond with physical progress and asked departments to address bottlenecks delaying implementation.
Reviewing healthcare projects in Kashmir, the Minister was informed that the 125-bedded District Hospital at Reshipora, Budgam, has achieved 75 per cent physical progress and is targeted for completion by March 2027. The status of various SASCI projects was also reviewed.
The meeting was informed that a proposal for establishing a Critical Care Hospital Block at Uri has been initiated, with five kanals of land identified at Mohara for the project.
In Jammu division, Itoo reviewed the proposed Trauma Centre at Surankote, new UT Capex works and the 100-bedded hospital at Sunderbani. Officials informed the meeting that construction of the Sunderbani hospital is nearing completion and equipment worth ₹66 lakh has been requisitioned. The facility is expected to become operational shortly.
The Minister also reviewed infrastructure and development works at Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara, GMC Srinagar, SKIMS Medical College Bemina, GMC Rajouri, Government Ayurvedic College Akhnoor, GMC Kathua, GMC Jammu and GMC Anantnag.
At GMC Rajouri and GMC Kathua, she reviewed Capex and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) works, functioning of dental units and procurement of equipment. Officials informed the meeting that the upgradation of the GNM Nursing School into a Nursing College at GMC Rajouri has reached 65 per cent progress, while construction of the Teaching Hospital at GMC Kathua is at an advanced stage.
At GMC Jammu, the Minister reviewed the status of ongoing projects and assessed the functioning of the Emergency Dental Unit and District Early Intervention Centre at SMGS Hospital.
Itoo directed officials to prioritise procurement of critical medical equipment and ensure healthcare infrastructure is completed and made functional without delay. She also stressed the need for timely utilisation of funds and stronger coordination among executing agencies and healthcare institutions.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Education Ram Niwas Sharma, senior officers of the Health, Education and Social Welfare departments, Directors of Health Services and School Education, principals of government medical colleges and other officials.
