6 years on, 50-bed Ayush hospital in Kupwara remains incomplete

Srinagar, Oct 23: Residents of Kulangam in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district are growing increasingly frustrated as the construction of a 50-bed Ayush hospital remains incomplete, more than six years after work began.

The centrally sponsored project, being developed under the National Ayush Mission, was originally slated for completion in 2022, but delays have left locals disappointed and underserved.

“Construction started in 2019 after receiving approval, but even after six years, the project is still unfinished. Multiple deadlines have passed, yet the authorities have failed to complete the hospital, showing an insensitive approach,” a resident told Greater Kashmir.

Locals say the hospital, once completed, would serve as a vital healthcare facility for the entire district, significantly improving medical services in the region. “We appreciate the central government for initiating this project, but the delays by the nodal agency have dashed our hopes,” he added.

The prolonged delay has also resulted in a sharp increase in costs. “The estimated cost has escalated from Rs 7 crore to Rs 11 crore, and further halts could push it even higher,” said another resident.

Despite repeated appeals to the concerned authorities, work on the hospital has yet to resume.

Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Langate Sheikh Khursheed said he has raised the issue with the Director of Ayush and expressed hope that concrete steps would soon be taken to restart construction and ensure the project’s timely completion.