Waqar Manzoor
Jammu, February 03: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced a significant upgrade to critical healthcare infrastructure in Bandipora district under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and allied schemes.
Replying to a query raised by Congress legislator Nizam-Ud-Din Bhat, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo informed the House that major interventions are underway at District Hospital Bandipora to strengthen critical and emergency care services.
The Minister stated that the 100-bedded District Hospital Bandipora is already equipped with essential facilities, including a CT scan, dialysis unit, Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU), oxygen generation plants and ventilator support.
Under the Emergency COVID Response Package-II (ECRP-II), the hospital has been further strengthened with the establishment of a 12-bed Paediatric Hybrid ICU, a 30-bed oxygen-supported paediatric ward and a 10-bed Maternal ICU.
She further informed that under PM-ABHIM, a 50-bed Critical Care Block has been approved for Bandipora. The technical bid for the project has been evaluated and the financial bid opened. Additionally, work has commenced on a District Integrated Public Health Laboratory and 12 Block Public Health Units across the district.
Under ECRP-II, approval has also been granted for four six-bedded and one 20-bedded prefabricated healthcare units in Bandipora.
Addressing the delay in completion of New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) buildings at Gund Jehangir and Zurimanz, the Minister clarified that the delay occurred due to a change in funding from NABARD to the Department of Health Services, Kashmir. She added that the department is now releasing the required funds to expedite completion of the projects.
The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and ensuring improved access to quality medical services for the people of Bandipora district.
