Srinagar, Feb 12 (KNO): Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that the government is considering a proposal to construct an additional block at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Ramnagar.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Dr Sunil Bhardwaj, the Minister, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that land constraints remain a major challenge at SDH Ramnagar, as the proposed expansion may require demolition of some existing infrastructure. “The identified space is being finalised, based on which further necessary measures shall be taken, while ensuring that ongoing services are not affected in any manner,” she said.
On the issue of Primary Health Centre (PHC) Basantgarh, Sakina Itoo stated that the facility is presently functioning on nearly four kanals of land, which leaves no adequate space for additional infrastructure development. “Due to the severe land constraint, no expansion proposal is under active consideration at present,” she said.
The Minister also shed light on the financial limitations faced by the department during the 2025–26 budget exercise. She revealed that during the pre-budget meeting chaired by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, a demand of ₹25 crore was projected by the MLA Ramnagar for health-related works in the constituency under the UT Capex Budget.
“However, considering the total approved budget of about ₹40 crore for Health Services Jammu and the balance liability of nearly ₹114 crore for ongoing works during the same financial year, it was not practically feasible to accommodate the demand,” she said, adding that land-related issues further complicated the matter.
Sakina Itoo informed the House that the Finance Department has been approached for enhanced budget allocation under the Directorate of Health Services Jammu and Kashmir, as most of the developmental demands raised by legislators pertain to this sector.
“Subject to approval of the proposed Budget Estimates for 2026–27, and based on feasibility, such demands shall be taken up in a phased manner,” she assured.
The Minister said that funds for the development of additional infrastructure at SDH Ramnagar will be earmarked in the 2026–27 budget, subject to finalisation of the site, while maintaining seamless continuation of existing healthcare services—(KNO)