CWC urges GMC Anantnag Principal to urgently relocate maternity hospital

Anantnag, Jan 12: The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has called on the Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag to urgently relocate the Maternity and Child Care Hospital (MCCH) due to serious safety concerns for newborns and children.

This plea follows a letter from the South Kashmir Civil Society (SKCS) earlier this month, which highlighted the deteriorating condition of the hospital building and the risk of potential tragedies.

“The Committee does not have the authority to decide on or direct alternative arrangements. However, as guardians of children's welfare under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, we are responsible for ensuring preventive measures are taken to protect children from harm,” the CWC wrote in a letter addressed to the GMC Anantnag Principal.

The letter emphasised that provisions in the Constitution—including Clause (3) of Article 15, Clauses (e) and (f) of Article 39, Article 45, and Article 47—empower the state to meet children's needs and safeguard their basic human rights.

“Considering the principles of safety, best interest, and positive measures for child care and protection, we urge immediate action to prevent any undesirable incidents and address the prevailing vulnerabilities in the current facility,” the CWC said.

The MCCH, located in the congested Sherbagh area of old town Anantnag, caters to over 40,000 patients in its Outpatient Department (OPD) and around 7,000 indoor patients each month.

Despite its critical role in the region's healthcare both the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Fire and Emergency Services a decade ago have declared the building unsafe, citing structural instability and fire hazards, particularly in the neonatal care section. In recent years, incidents such as electrical short circuits in the pediatric unit and ticket counter have raised alarms, though no major disasters have occurred.

Last week, routine Emergency Operation Theatres (OTs) were temporarily shut down due to a water tank leakage that caused electric shocks and operational disruptions. The demand for relocating the hospital has been growing.

Last November, a committee formed by Health Minister Sakeena Itoo was tasked with identifying an alternative site for the facility, but no final decision has been made.

The Secretary of Health and Medical Education has also instructed the PWD to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for constructing a new 200-bed Maternal and Child Care Hospital on the premises of the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Janglat Mandi, Anantnag. However, safety concerns at the existing facility remain unaddressed, putting thousands of patients, including vulnerable children and newborns, at risk.