Budgam, Nov 11 (KNO): Construction work on the 125-bed District Hospital and the 100-bed Critical Care Unit (CCU) at Reshipora in Budgam district is progressing steadily, raising hopes of improved healthcare facilities for residents across the district.
The two projects are expected to significantly strengthen healthcare infrastructure in Budgam, a densely populated district where patients often face difficulties due to overcrowding and limited facilities at the existing District Hospital.ï
The foundation stone of the 125-bed hospital was laid by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in 2023. However, the construction work of the District Hospital had remained suspended for some time due to various issues. Work has now resumed, with construction activities, including brickwork and plumbing, underway at the site.
Local residents have welcomed the resumption of work, saying the new hospital would provide much-needed relief to patients, particularly those travelling from far-flung areas of the district.
Residents said the existing District Hospital faces considerable pressure, with inadequate parking space and heavy patient footfall adding to the difficulties faced by patients and their attendants.
"We want this hospital to become operational as soon as possible," a resident told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). "Earlier, we were told that the project would be completed within one-and-a-half years, but the work of the District Hospital was interrupted several times."
"I visited the site a couple of months ago and found the construction suspended. Now, work has resumed, and we hope it will be completed soon," the resident said.
Another resident said the new facility would benefit people across Budgam, particularly those living in far-flung areas, who often have to travel long distances for healthcare services.
Residents further said that local public representatives had intervened to push for the resumption of construction, while officials of the Roads and Buildings Department have expressed satisfaction over the progress.
Once completed and made operational, the 125-bed hospital, along with the 100-bed Critical Care Block, is expected to provide a major boost to healthcare infrastructure in Budgam and ease the burden on the existing hospital—(KNO)