Health Minister admits challenges in relocating MCCH Anantnag from unsafe building

Anantnag, Jan 3: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Friday acknowledged the difficulties in relocating the Maternity and Child Care Hospital (MCCH) from its current unsafe building in the congested Sherbagh locality to a safer facility.

"Some individuals are resisting the relocation of the facility from this unsafe building. However, efforts are underway to find a temporary alternative until the new hospital is constructed," Itoo told media persons here.

She assured that all necessary steps would be taken to prevent disruptions in patient care.

The current hospital building was declared unsafe by the Emergency and Fire Services Department and the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department in 2014.

Despite its unsanitary and hazardous conditions, it remains the primary healthcare facility for pregnant women and newborns in the region, handling over 40,000 outpatient visits and approximately 7,000 inpatient admissions monthly.

The hospital’s maternity ward, originally designed for 40 beds, is now frequently overcrowded, operating well beyond its capacity.

A committee formed in November last year to identify an alternative location has yet to finalise a decision.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of Health and Medical Education has tasked the Public Works Department (PWD) with preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of a new 200-bedded Maternal and Child Care Hospital on the premises of Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital Janglatmandi, Anantnag.

Earlier, Itoo chaired a review meeting at Dak Bangalow, Anantnag, with health officials from south Kashmir, including Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Principal GMC Anantnag, and health officials from Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, and Shopian.

"There will be no compromise on patient care," she emphasised during the meeting.

The minister issued strict instructions to detach doctors currently attached elsewhere and take disciplinary action against those engaging in private practice during duty hours.

She also called for recognition and appreciation of dedicated healthcare workers.

Itoo proposed establishing an emergency welfare fund in every hospital, funded by contributions from Heads of Departments (HODs) and doctors.

“This fund could be utilised to procure essential drugs or equipment in emergencies where such resources are unavailable.”

“If necessary, we will also extend support for this initiative," she assured.