Srinagar, Jul 15 (KNO): In a major boost to orthopaedic healthcare infrastructure in Kashmir, the long-awaited 120-bed block at the Bone and Joint Hospital, Barzulla, was finally inaugurated after missing multiple deadlines.
The hospital, which has remained the valley’s premier orthopaedic care centre, suffered extensive damage during the 2014 floods and a subsequent devastating fire in March 2022.
Despite these setbacks, the hospital continued to provide services to thousands of patients daily.
A senior health official informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the additional 120-bed block was constructed under the World Bank-funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP), specifically under the component Strengthening of Critical Infrastructure.
“The new G+5 building is earthquake-resilient and equipped with modular operation theatres, ICU, Pre and Post-Operative Care Units, a Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), Theatre Sterile Supply Unit (TSSU), specialised laundry, and a pneumatic tube system—the first of its kind in J&K,” he said.
The official added that the facility has been designed as per IGBC (India Green Building Council) norms and includes a biomedical waste management system capable of handling 140 kg per day. “It also features provisions for an STP and ETP to ensure scientific disposal of waste,” he said.
The pneumatic tube system, a hallmark of advanced hospital infrastructure globally, will allow rapid transport of medical supplies like blood samples and medicines between departments, thereby reducing delays and manual handling risks.
The project, executed by NPCC (National Projects Construction Corporation), has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 88.94 crore. According to officials, it incorporates modern healthcare design principles, including optimal space utilisation, patient well-being, environmental efficiency, and future scalability.
Doctors at the Bone and Joint Hospital expressed relief and optimism. “Since the 2022 fire incident, we’ve struggled to manage the patient rush with limited space. The new facility will ease that burden significantly,” a senior doctor said. He noted that the hospital’s OPD receives nearly 1,000 patients daily from across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
At the inauguration, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised the resilience of the hospital staff. “Despite being submerged during the 2014 floods and then suffering a fire in 2022, the hospital never stopped serving patients. This new block is a testament to that unwavering spirit,” he said.
He said that the hospital was inaugurated by Sher-i-Kashmir on May 15, 1982, just months before his death, making it one of the last projects associated with him.
Criticising previous administrations, he said, "They ruled for eight years in Kashmir before elections, what have they done?" He added, "We are not dependent on anyone except the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Don't underestimate us or take our politeness for weakness."
Health Minister Sakina Itoo, who also attended the event, said the new block will address the space crunch that plagued the hospital for years. “People from Kashmir and even parts of the Jammu division will now benefit from better and more spacious treatment facilities,” she said.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the post-disaster reconstruction of Kashmir’s healthcare infrastructure, offering hope and relief to both patients and healthcare professionals alike.
The event was attended by Dy CM Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, several MLAs and higher officials of the health and medical education department—(KNO)