Srinagar, Dec 25 (NationPress) J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made an unexpected visit to Kashmir's leading healthcare institutions on Wednesday, issuing immediate directives for enhancement and upgrades.
During his surprise inspections of key health facilities in Srinagar, he aimed to gather firsthand insights into the services and amenities offered to patients and their families. The Chief Minister's first stop was the Bone & Joint Hospital in Barzulla, recognized as one of the region's foremost orthopedic healthcare centers. While touring various wards, he engaged with patients and their families to better understand their issues.
Joined by Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, alongside senior medical staff and doctors, he evaluated the preparations for winter, the treatment options available, and the adequacy of medical personnel and paramedics.
CM Abdullah also examined the newly built advanced block of the hospital, developed under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP), funded by the World Bank. This block, designed with earthquake-resistant technology, will increase the hospital's capacity from 150 to 310 beds by adding 160 new beds.
During his visit, the Chief Minister underscored the urgency of completing the new block, essential for addressing the space limitations that arose from a fire incident in 2022, which had previously reduced the hospital's capacity from 200 beds.
He instructed the responsible agencies to ensure that the new block is operational by January 2025 to improve patient care and to dedicate the facility to public service.
Additionally, the Chief Minister assessed the 500-bed Children’s Hospital in Bemina, where he spoke with patients, their relatives, and hospital personnel. Attendants from remote areas expressed concerns regarding the absence of a Sarai (inn) for their accommodation.
In response, the Chief Minister promptly directed the relevant authorities to construct a Sarai to ease the challenges faced by attendants.
As hospital staff pointed out the difficulties in expanding super-specialty services due to space limitations, he assured them that their concerns would be prioritized. He also committed to addressing the shortage of medical personnel, including doctors and paramedics, in this hospital and throughout healthcare facilities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Moreover, the Chief Minister instructed hospital officials to guarantee the timely provision of medications and other essential resources for patients. Throughout the inspections, Omar Abdullah reiterated his government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare infrastructure, ensuring improved services for the public, and tackling staffing shortages in health institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Health Minister Itoo, the Medical Superintendent of the Children’s Hospital, senior faculty, and other officials.
