Srinagar, Sep 28 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that there is currently no proposal under consideration to upgrade the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) at Khag, Waterhail and Hardipanzoo to Community Health Centres (CHCs) in the Khansahib constituency.
The information was provided by the Health and Medical Education Department in response to a question raised by Khansahib MLA Saif-ud-Din Bhat regarding upgradation of health institutions in the constituency.
The department, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the proposal could not be considered due to austerity measures notified by the Finance Department under Government Order No. 198-F of 2026 dated May 22, 2026, which, among other measures, restrict the creation of new posts.
However, the department said that, following directions issued in a high-level meeting, a proposal for upgrading PHC Arigam to the level of MCH, along with the creation of 43 posts of various categories, has been submitted to the Finance Department for approval and is awaiting consideration.
Regarding round-the-clock emergency and essential healthcare facilities, the government said SDH Khansahib is functioning 24x7. In addition, PHCs Kralnewa and Hardipanzoo are also functioning round-the-clock and providing emergency and essential healthcare services.
The remaining PHCs at Rayar, Waterhail, Nunner, Gurwait, Dabipora, Kachwari and Arigam are not presently operating 24x7, as additional staff would be required to make them round-the-clock facilities.
On construction of Sub-Centre buildings, the department said the Health Sub-Centre at Falkilli is functioning from a government building, while those at Shuroo, Dragger, Hardiwail and Shalinar are presently operating from rented accommodation.
The government said construction of government buildings for these Sub-Centres would be considered after completion of necessary requirements, including identification of suitable land, feasibility, funding source, preparation of DPRs and assessment of site requirements based on the catchment area—(KNO)