Srinagar, Mar 27 (KNO): The Health and Medical Education Department on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that efforts are underway to further strengthen infrastructure and patient-care services at Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh Hospital (SMGS), Jammu, including the installation of an MRI facility, augmentation of staff, and development of a multi-tier parking system.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Yudhvir Sethi, Minister Sakina Itoo, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that SMGS Hospital is a major tertiary care institution providing specialized services in Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Pediatrics, ENT, and Dermatology.
She said that the hospital also caters to critically ill patients referred from peripheral health institutions across Jammu province where such facilities are not available.
The Minister informed the House that currently, patients requiring MRI scans are referred to Government Medical College Hospital Jammu, where such diagnostic services are available. “Recognizing the urgent need for an MRI facility at SMGS Hospital, the matter has been taken up with Indian Oil Corporation Limited under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative,” she said.
Itoo said that IOCL has agreed in principle to provide an MRI scanner, subject to the completion of necessary formalities. “The department is in the process of preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and other required documentation, which will be submitted shortly for approval,” she said, expressing optimism that the facility will be established soon.
On manpower, the Minister revealed that against a sanctioned strength of 1,070 posts at SMGS Hospital, only 682 are currently filled, indicating a significant shortfall. To address this gap, she said, doctors, faculty, and paramedical staff are being engaged on an academic arrangement basis, while rationalization of existing staff is also being undertaken to ensure better healthcare delivery.
Addressing infrastructure concerns, Itoo said that the proposal for a multi-tier parking facility at SMGS Hospital has already been taken up with the Jammu Municipal Corporation and the Jammu Smart City Limited. “The proposal is under active consideration, and the department is pursuing it for early approval, given the pressing need to ease congestion and improve accessibility for patients and attendants,” she added.
The Minister said that a 243-bedded Maternal and Child Care facility has been established at the hospital. The new block is equipped with advanced machinery and is expected to significantly improve neonatal and perinatology services.
“The addition of this specialized infrastructure will enhance newborn care, improve maternal health services, reduce waiting time for planned surgeries, and contribute towards lowering Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR),” she said.
The government, she reiterated, remains committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring quality medical services for the people of Jammu and surrounding regions—(KNO)