NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 25 (NVI): In a bid to improve healthcare facilities in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conducted surprise inspections of Srinagar’s top medical institutions today.
The visit aimed to assess patient care and infrastructure challenges firsthand, demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing public health needs.
The Chief Minister visited the Bone & Joint Hospital, Barzulla, a leading orthopedic facility, where he toured various wards, interacted with patients, and held discussions with hospital staff. Accompanied by Minister of Health Sakeena Itoo and senior medical officials, he reviewed winter arrangements, treatment facilities, and staffing levels.
During the visit, Omar Abdullah inspected the state-of-the-art additional block, constructed under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project with World Bank funding. The new block, equipped with earthquake-resilient technology, will add 160 beds to the hospital, increasing its capacity from 150 to 310 beds. He directed officials to ensure the block is operational by January 2025 to address the space crunch caused by a 2022 fire incident.
At the 500-bedded Children’s Hospital in Bemina, the Chief Minister interacted with patients and attendants, many of whom highlighted the need for a Sarai (inn) for visitors from remote areas. He immediately directed authorities to construct a Sarai to ease their difficulties.
Hospital staff raised concerns about space constraints for expanding super-specialty services and the shortage of medical personnel. The Chief Minister assured them of priority action to resolve these issues, not just at this facility but across healthcare institutions in the region.
Omar Abdullah said the timely availability of medicines and essential facilities for patients and reiterated his government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure.
“The government is fully dedicated to addressing manpower shortages and providing better healthcare facilities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said during the inspections (News Vibes of India)
