Govt sanctions Rs 50.24 crore for Emergency Theatre Block at SMHS Hospital Project aims to enhance emergency, surgical care

Srinagar, Feb 4: In a much-awaited development, the J&K Government today granted post-facto administrative approval for the construction of a state-of-the-art theatre block at Government SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, with a sanctioned budget of `50.24 crore.

The project, aimed at enhancing emergency and surgical care, was formally cleared under Government Order No: 99-JK (HME) of 2025 on February 3, following its initial approval during the first Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on January 21.

The new theatre is expected to increase the volume of surgeries that SMHS Hospital carries out. Many stakeholders feel this would reduce the waiting time for key surgical procedures.

The new facility, designed to bolster emergency operation theatres, will replace older structures, including the old drug store and canteen block. The approval mandates adherence to 20 stringent conditions to ensure quality, safety, and transparency.

Key provisions include compliance with earthquake-resistant designs, flood-level considerations, and technical vetting by competent authorities.

The requirements mandate that the designs must align with IS codes, MoRTH/CPWD standards, and incorporate flood-resistance measures in flood-prone areas. Contracts will be awarded through e-tendering without project fragmentation.

In a bid to recycle and reduce carbon footprints, the government order mandates that salvageable materials from demolished structures must be inventoried and reused, with costs deducted from the project.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had cleared this key project during the January cabinet meeting. The Finance Department’s concurrence, granted in March 2022, ensures fiscal alignment with state protocols.

Prof Iqbal Saleem, Head of the Surgery Department at GMC Srinagar, expressed his gratitude to key officials who made this possible, including Secretary of Health and Medical Education Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Principal GMC Srinagar, Prof Iffat Hassan Shah, Prof Shoukat Jeelani, and Prof Mufti Mahmood, previous Heads of Department of Surgery.

“This development is a significant step forward in advancing healthcare infrastructure for tertiary care. The new state-of-the-art theatres will undoubtedly benefit patients from J&K,” he said.