SRINAGAR, AUGUST 17: Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo today chaired a high-level meeting to review the action taken and progress achieved on decisions taken during earlier review meetings, with particular focus on major infrastructure and development projects being implemented by the Health, Education and Social Welfare departments across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Education, Ram Niwas Sharma; Special Secretaries of Higher Education, Health and Education Departments; Directors of Health Services Jammu and Kashmir; Directors of School Education Jammu and Kashmir; Principals of Government Medical Colleges and other senior officers of the concerned departments.
The Minister undertook a comprehensive review of the physical and financial progress of various ongoing projects, including infrastructure works, Capex and SASCI projects, utilisation of funds, procurement of equipment and implementation of decisions taken in previous review meetings.
Emphasising the importance of translating sanctioned projects into tangible outcomes for the people, Sakeena Itoo directed the officers to ensure strict adherence to timelines, close monitoring of execution and clear accountability at every stage. She stressed that financial expenditure must correspond with actual physical progress and called for immediate resolution of bottlenecks causing delays.
Reviewing healthcare infrastructure in Kashmir, the Minister was informed that the 125-bedded District Hospital at Reshipora, Budgam has achieved 75 per cent physical progress and is targeted for completion by March 2027.
The status of various SASCI projects was also reviewed.
The meeting was further informed that a proposal for establishment of a Critical Care Hospital Block at Uri has been initiated, with five kanals of land identified at Mohara.
In Jammu division, the Minister reviewed the proposed Trauma Centre at Surankote, new UT Capex works and the 100-bedded Hospital at Sunderbani. She was informed that construction of the Sunderbani hospital is nearing completion, while equipment worth ₹66 lakh has been requisitioned and the facility is expected to be made operational shortly.
The Minister also reviewed infrastructure and other development works at GMC Handwara, GMC Srinagar, SKIMS Medical College Bemina, GMC Rajouri, Government Ayurvedic College Akhnoor, GMC Kathua, GMC Jammu and GMC Anantnag.
At GMC Rajouri and GMC Kathua, she took stock of Capex and CSS works, functioning of Dental Units and procurement of essential equipment. The meeting was informed that the upgradation of the GNM Nursing School to a Nursing College at GMC Rajouri has achieved 65 per cent progress, while construction of the Teaching Hospital at GMC Kathua is at an advanced stage.
At GMC Jammu, the Minister reviewed the status of Capex and CSS works and was apprised that several projects have either been completed or are nearing completion. The functioning of the Emergency Dental Unit and District Early Intervention Centre at SMGS Hospital was also assessed.
Sakeena Itoo directed the concerned officers to accord top priority to procurement of critical medical equipment and completion of healthcare infrastructure, noting that timely availability of facilities and equipment has a direct bearing on the quality and accessibility of patient care.
She called for regular identification and resolution of bottlenecks, timely utilisation of available funds and stronger coordination among executing agencies, healthcare institutions and the concerned departments.
“Every sanctioned project must ultimately translate into a tangible improvement in public service delivery. There should be no avoidable delay in execution, and every rupee allocated for development must be utilised efficiently and transparently,” the Minister said.
The Minister further directed the officers to maintain continuous monitoring of major projects and furnish timely updates on critical milestones. She stressed that completed infrastructure should be made functional without delay so that the intended benefits reach the people at the earliest.
Sakeena Itoo reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding specialised medical services and ensuring accessible, efficient and patient-centric healthcare facilities across Jammu and Kashmir.
