Srinagar, Sep 22 (KNO): Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today visited Lal Ded Hospital, Srinagar to review the progress of the ongoing construction of the additional block being developed under the World Bank-funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP).
On this occasion besides the Principal Secretary, PWD; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and Secretary, H&ME he was accompanied by DC, Srinagar; Commissioner, SMC; CEO, ERA; Chief Engineer, R&B (Central) and other concerned officers.
About the project, the Chief Secretary was apprised that with a sanctioned cost of Rs 171.42 Cr, it was initiated in 2019–20 by JKPCC and later transferred to R&B, it is aimed at significantly upgrading the hospital’s infrastructure through Composite Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Medical Equipment works, hospital furniture, and annual maintenance support.
During the visit, the Chief Secretary was informed that out of the total 283 piles, 277 have already been completed, while raft work stands 97% complete. An expenditure of Rs 29.07 Cr has been incurred so far.
It was further divulged that against the approved balance project cost of Rs 142.35 Cr, an amount of Rs 118.60 Cr has been allotted through the Contract Committee, and balance pile work is currently in progress. The revised likely date of completion has been fixed as December 31, 2026.
Underscoring the significance of the project, the Chief Secretary observed that the Hospital is the only tertiary care gynecological hospital in the entire Kashmir Valley, catering to thousands of women and newborns every year. So he reiterated that strengthening its infrastructure is of paramount importance for improving maternal and child healthcare services in the region.
He further remarked that the new block, once completed, will greatly enhance patient care facilities and ease the existing load on the hospital. He directed the executing agencies to strictly adhere to the revised timelines and maintain the highest quality standards to ensure the facility is developed as a model healthcare block.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Chief Secretary said that projects like this reflect our focus on expanding and modernizing healthcare infrastructure across the UT.
The additional block at LalDed Hospital will play a transformative role in bridging critical gaps in service delivery and meeting the healthcare needs of women and children in the Valley, he asserted.
Dulloo also made it clear that he is personally monitoring the progress of this vital project. Given its importance for the people of the UT, he called for regular monitoring of the pace of work to ensure timely completion and prevent any unnecessary delays, he asserted—(KNO)