J&K’s healthcare infra gets boost with Rs 124.83 Cr allocation
Srinagar, Sep 12: In a major boost to healthcare infrastructure in J&K, the government on Friday announced an allocation of Rs 124.83 crore for critical equipment for various health institutes here. The announcement was made by Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo through a post on X.
The Health Minister posted on Friday morning: "As assured by the Hon'ble CM in the Budget Speech, we have allocated Rs 124.83 Cr for key upgrades in J&K's health sector". She called it a continuation of the commitment to stronger, accessible healthcare.
The allocated funds will be utilised for upgradation of diagnostic equipment as well as interventional cardiology at several Government Medical Colleges (GMCs). The funds are expected to address long-standing gaps in specialised care and improve facilities in remote and underserved areas.
In a major development, a PET Scan unit at GMC Srinagar has been approved. The demand has been a long standing one and could benefit patients in Kashmir. Currently, there is only one PET Scan facility in Kashmir’s Government sector, and patients face long waiting times, which often prove detrimental to their survival chances.
The other projects that have been approved are a new CT Scan facility at GMC Jammu, MRI machines at GMC Baramulla, GMC Kathua, and GMC Rajouri. These will enhance diagnostics capabilities in northern and southern districts and reduce the burden and wait time in centrally located hospitals in Srinagar.
In addition, a state-of-the-art Cath Lab at GMC Doda has also been approved. The facility, if it runs well, could go a long way in enabling minimally invasive cardiac procedures closer for people in the far flung areas.
Additionally, telemedicine infrastructure across 80 hospital units throughout J&K will also be strengthened with the allocation. The announcement comes months after the elected Government promised a slew of measures to strengthen infrastructure of hospitals in J&K in the Assembly. The budget speech earlier this year had outlined broader fiscal priorities where healthcare emerged as a cornerstone. Chief Minister Omar Abdulllah had stressed the need for "equitable access”.
