CS reviews progress on additional block at LD Hospital

Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday visited Lal Ded Hospital in Srinagar to assess the construction progress of an additional block funded by the World Bank under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP).
Accompanied by key officials, including Principal Secretary of Public Works and the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Dulloo was briefed on the project’s details, which began in 2019-20 with a sanctioned cost of Rs 171.42 crore. The initiative aims to enhance the hospital’s infrastructure through various civil, mechanical, electrical, and medical equipment works. During the visit, it was reported that 277 out of 283 piles have been completed, with raft work at 97% completion and an expenditure of Rs 29.07 crore to date. Of the approved project cost of Rs 142.35 crore, Rs 118.60 crore has been allocated, and remaining pile work is ongoing. The revised completion date for the project is set for December 31, 2026. Dulloo emphasized the project’s significance, noting that the hospital serves as the only tertiary care gynecological facility in the Kashmir Valley, catering to thousands of women and newborns annually. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the hospital’s infrastructure to improve maternal and child healthcare services in the region. The new block is expected to enhance patient care facilities and alleviate the current burden on the hospital. The Chief Secretary directed the executing agencies to adhere to the revised timelines and maintain high-quality standards to ensure the facility becomes a model healthcare block. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding and modernizing healthcare infrastructure across the Union Territory, stating that the additional block will play a crucial role in addressing service delivery gaps and meeting the healthcare needs of women and children in the Valley. Dulloo also committed to personally monitoring the project’s progress to ensure timely completion and prevent delays.