Srinagar, Oct 31 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced that the deadline for establishing the GMC Handwara, along with the district referral hospital, has been extended until March 2026.
Responding to a question by MLA Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, the Health and Medical Education Department Minister Sakeena Itoo, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said in a written reply that heavy flash floods in April 2024 damaged the original construction site for the Government Medical College (GMC) Maidan Chougal in Handwara, with water submerging the area up to 12 feet, which halted ongoing work.
"The sunset date for the establishment of GMC Handwara, along with the District Referral Hospital, has been extended till March 2026," she said.
Regarding the resumption of construction, Itoo said it depends on several factors, including meeting the requirements set by the National Medical Council (NMC), such as relocating GMC Handwara from Maidan Chougal. "This involves transferring the proposed 200 kanals of encumbrance-free land at the Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, to the Health & Medical Education Department, obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Science and Technology Department, and assessing the technical feasibility from the Chief Engineer, PW(R&B) North Kashmir, to ensure the land's suitability and stability," she said.
The minister said financial support is also needed beyond the original estimate of around Rs 70 crore, along with securing the remaining Central Share, which will be determined after March 31, 2026. This will enable the Council of Ministers to consider a site change if necessary, she added.
Sakeena clarified that no funds allocated for GMC Handwara have been diverted to any other GMC project. "For the financial year 2025-26, an amount of Rs 164.48 lakh has been allocated for work activities such as the 'SITC of a 26-Passenger G+2 Lift including cables, servo, DLP, pit preparation, whitewashing, etc.' and 'Infrastructure strengthening of the associated hospital, Langate.' These works are targeted to be completed by March 31, 2026," she said.
Currently, OPD services, Ophthalmology, and Paediatrics are operational, the Health Minister said, adding, "Once the lift and other infrastructure works are completed, the feasibility of operationalising additional facilities will be reviewed."—(KNO)