Srinagar, Oct 30 (KNO): The government on Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that Mini Maternity hospital building at Zakoora is complete and only finishing touches are pending.
Responding to a question by MLA Salman Ali Sagar, the Health and Medical Education Department Minister, Sakina Itoo, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), stated in a written reply that the construction of Mini Maternity Centre (MMC) Zakoora was taken up for execution during the year 2014-15 through J&K Housing Board at an estimated cost of Rs 12.82 crore under National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)/Prime Minister Development Package (PMDP).
“The building infrastructure of the hospital is complete in all respects except for finishing works. The finishing works could not be carried out due to the fact that the building of the said health institution was under occupation of Security Forces, which now stand vacated. In order to carry out the balance finishing works, DPR is being prepared by the PW (R&B) Department. Under Capex Budget 2025-26, an amount of 20.00 lakhs has been provisioned during the current financial year 2025-26 against which 50% funds amounting to 10.00 Lakhs have been released for the purpose,” she said.
Sakina said that it is a fact that SDH Hazrathal is witnessing influx of a large number of patients due to availability services/diagnostics like: Digital X-Ray (24x7), High-end USG, updated Dental section, Maternal and Child Care Health (MCCH) facilities etc.
“In order to address the infrastructural gaps, the Department vide Government Order No. 658-JK(HME) of 2022 dated 15-09-2022 accorded Administrative Approval for Construction of new building for Sub District Hospital Hazratbal, Srinagar at an estimated cost of t 1899.74 lacs.”
However, the construction work was halted by the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA). However, improvement of services is a continuous process and the department is prioritizing the same in a phased manner.
“Moreover, the department is committed to strengthen the existing healthcare facilities by improvising the Public Health Delivery, through manpower strengthening & digital initiatives Ike e-sanjeevani/tele-medicine facilities through a well-designed hub & spoke model. As such, the Department is not conceptualizing upgrading Public Healthcare Centres (PHCs) to the next level,” she said.
“Presently, the construction work of additional Block for Sub-District Hospital Hazratbal is halted by Lakes Conservation and Management Authority as the construction site falls within 100 meters buffer zone,” she said.
She added that matter for relaxation is to be sought from the Competent Authority/Council of Urban Ministers in close consultations with Housing Development Department, as decided in the 137 meeting of BPA-LCMA—(KNO)