Foundation for 8 critical care blocks to be laid in Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 24: In a boost to healthcare infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to virtually lay the foundation stones for eight critical care blocks in the Kashmir division on Sunday.

Among the key highlights of this initiative is the foundation stone laying for a Critical Care Block at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Bemina, with a capacity of 50 beds costing Rs 23.75 crore.

Additionally, a critical care block boasting a capacity of 100 beds would be constructed at District Hospital Budgam, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 44.50 crore.

Furthermore, various other critical care blocks are set to be established across different locations in the region.

Community Health Centre (CHC) Kupwara and Public Health Centre (PHC) Sonamarg would each receive 50-bedded critical care blocks, while Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama would also witness the establishment of similar facilities.

These critical care blocks, aimed at augmenting healthcare facilities in the region, would each accommodate a capacity of 50 beds at an estimated cost of Rs 23.75 crore per block.

PM Modi would also virtually inaugurate critical care blocks in six district hospitals as part of the COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Package Phase-II.

State Nodal Officer, NHM, J&K, Dr Shafi Koka told Greater Kashmir that with capacities ranging from 50 to 100 beds each, these blocks are equipped with ventilator-supported beds, isolation facilities, high-dependency units, and adequate equipment to handle critical emergencies.

He said that these critical care blocks were infection blocks and if there would be a pandemic in the future, Kashmir would be in a state of readiness to handle them.

“The post-COVID scenario taught us that we have to be ready. This infrastructure will give a major boost to our healthcare,” Dr Koka said.

Principal SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, Dr Irfan Robbani told Greater Kashmir the 50-bedded critical care block would prove helpful and it would be adjacent to the 250-bedded hospital under the PM Package.

“It will be a huge facility for the people. This block equipped with ventilators or high-dependency units will also be used for emergency patients. The versatility of the block will be operational during both pandemic and non-pandemic periods, providing essential healthcare services to the people,” he said.