Srinagar, Sep 21 (KNO): The Health and Medical Education Department has informed the Legislative Assembly that several key infrastructure and healthcare expansion projects at Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla are at different stages of implementation, with procurement of an MRI machine underway and a fresh tender process initiated for a Cath Lab.
The details were furnished by the department in response to a question raised by Javid Hassan Baig, MLA Baramulla, regarding the status of MRI, Cath Lab, medical waste management, land expansion, AYUSH facilities and ambulance services in the constituency.
Regarding the MRI facility, the department, according to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the machine has been approved under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. The J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) placed a purchase order for its procurement on July 24, 2026.
The procurement process is expected to take around five to six months, subject to the availability of funds.
The Cath Lab project, meanwhile, has faced delays after the selected bidder could not supply the equipment according to the tender specifications, as the specified model had reportedly been discontinued by the firm.
The government said a fresh tender has now been floated and its technical evaluation is currently underway. The financial bid is scheduled to be opened by September 30, while a fresh rate contract is targeted to be awarded by October 10, 2026.
On medical waste management, the department said waste generated at GMC Baramulla is presently being managed through an outsourced agency. It added that a Sewerage Treatment Plant/Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) has been approved under the 2026-27 Capex Budget.
The cost estimates for the project are currently being verified by the Engineer-in-Chief, PWD, following which the process for according administrative approval is expected to be taken forward.
On the expansion of GMC Baramulla, the department said 61 kanals and 13 marlas of land had been transferred to the Health and Medical Education Department from the Industries and Commerce Department for the establishment of the medical college.
However, citing an acute shortage of land at the institution, another 32-kanal patch adjacent to GMC Baramulla, reportedly under the possession of the District Industries Centre (DIC), Baramulla, has been identified for acquisition.
The matter has been taken up with the Industries and Commerce Department for the issuance of a formal NOC for the transfer of the land, which is still awaited.
For AYUSH infrastructure, the government said a proposal for the establishment of an Ayurvedic Medical College in Baramulla has been approved under the National AYUSH Mission.
Land measuring 50 kanals at Amargarh in Sopore has already been transferred to the H&ME Department through Government Order No. 23-JK (Rev) of 2026 dated July 8, 2026.
The Chief Engineer, R&B, North Kashmir, has been asked to formulate the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed institution.
On ambulance availability, the government said emergency response and patient transportation in the constituency are being provided through the 102/108 ambulance services.
At present, the constituency has ambulances stationed at Fatehgarh, Chandoosa, GMC Baramulla, PHC Sheeri and PHC Delina, including BLS, ALS and 102-service ambulances.
The department clarified that there is no separate proposal for constituency-wise procurement of ambulances. Any future additions to the 102/108 fleet, it said, would be prioritised based on critical gaps.
The government also disclosed that, following certification by the Collector Land Acquisition (ACR), Baramulla, regarding the non-availability of state land, four kanals of private land have been identified for the construction of an additional/new building for CHC Chandoosa.
The proposed site is located around 200 metres from the existing hospital building.
Before construction can begin, the land will have to undergo a technical feasibility assessment by the expert wing of the Public Works (R&B) Department. The prescribed revenue procedures for the acquisition of private land and the requisite NOC from the J&K Architects Organisation will also have to be completed.
After the completion of these prerequisites, the project will be uploaded to the BEAMS portal for the release of funds by the Finance Department and the accord of administrative approval by the competent authority—(KNO)