SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 25 (TKA): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made unannounced visits to several leading health institutions in Srinagar today to personally assess the quality of services and facilities available to patients and their families.
During his visit to the Bone & Joint Hospital in Barzulla, a premier orthopedic facility in the region, the Chief Minister toured various wards and sections. He interacted with patients and their attendants to understand their concerns and experiences. Accompanied by Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, senior faculty members, and doctors, he evaluated the hospital’s winter preparedness, treatment facilities, and the availability of medical staff and paramedics.
The Chief Minister also inspected a newly constructed block at the Bone & Joint Hospital, funded by the World Bank under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP). This state-of-the-art block, built with earthquake-resistant technology, will add 160 beds, increasing the hospital’s capacity from 150 to 310 beds. Emphasizing the urgency of completing this block, which is crucial due to a fire incident in 2022 that reduced the hospital’s capacity, he set a deadline for its operationalization by January 2025.
Additionally, Chief Minister Abdullah visited the 500-bed Children’s Hospital in Bemina. Here, he engaged with patients, their attendants, and hospital staff. Attendants from remote areas voiced their need for a Sarai (inn) to stay in, prompting the Chief Minister to direct the construction of such a facility to ease their difficulties.
Hospital staff at the Children’s Hospital highlighted the challenges of expanding super-specialty services due to space constraints. The Chief Minister assured them that these issues would be prioritized and addressed. He also committed to resolving the shortage of medical staff, including doctors and paramedics, across healthcare facilities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister instructed hospital authorities to ensure the timely availability of medicines and other essential facilities for patients. He reiterated his government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare infrastructure, improving public facilities, and addressing manpower shortages in health institutions throughout the region.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, the Medical Superintendent of the Children’s Hospital, senior faculty members, and other officials during his inspections.
