Chowdhary Ramzan opposes relocation of GMC Handwara

Kupwara, Aug 17: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and former Cabinet Minister Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan has strongly opposed government's decision to relocate Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara from its existing site Gund Chogal to Natnussa, raising serious economic, administrative, and security concerns.

While talking to media at his Handwara residence, he said that instead of shifting the administrative block to Natnussa, the government should focus on strengthening health infrastructure in Handwara itself, which would bring genuine economic benefits to the area.

Instead of politicizing the issue, the NC leader suggested that the government should immediately upgrade Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kupwara to the status of additional District Hospital to meet growing healthcare demands of remote areas of Kupwara including Karnah, Machil, Keran, Kumkadi, Budnamal, Jumagund and dozens of remote areas.

While showing concern over reports that Rs 40 crore would be required for developing the Natnussa site as it happens to be hilly area, he questioned the viability of such a huge expenditure. He warned that Natnussa being close to dense forests, could pose security risks for non-local students.